Breathing new life into an East Fremantle icon

The new concept is 9 storeys from the lowest point on Duke Street plus 2 basement levels. This fits within the 28-metre height limit stipulated by planning scheme amendment.

The defining material used for the new building is natural zinc. This is what was used for the cupula originally, but it had been painted over the years. The restored cupola and the new zinc can be seen on site at the moment and will be similar to that used on the new building. Some of the inspiration for the use of this material has also come from the many metal roofs in the area. The use of zinc cladding has allowed a striking continuous form to be created that is distinctly residential.

The Royal George Hotel will be a $25 million development. This will incorporate the restoration of the heritage building and fit out for the new uses that will occupy the space, along with the 23 new apartments adjacent.

The design concept is based on an extension of the two wings of the former hotel, each with their own personality and scale. These are then brought together into a dramatic point at the northern end of the sharply triangular site. The use of zinc is driven by the materiality in the area and creates a striking continuous form that is distinctly residential. Recessed balconies and non-aligned windows create interest and ensure the building is far from generic.

A clear distinction is made between the new and old parts of the development in accordance with best practice heritage design principals. Zinc was used for the cupola originally, so the use of this material for the exterior of the new building is a nod to, and extension of the past. The design of the new building also folds back to maintain views of the cupola from the north and west.

The proposed apartments will aim to achieve a 5-Star Green Star rating as well as maintain an ongoing carbon neutral (climate active) certification. In addition, the deep recessed balconies will provide shading and double-glazing will reduce heat loading and the reverse in winter.

Whilst an upgrade to the public space is not part of this development application, we are in ongoing discussions with the Town of East Fremantle on ideas to improve parking in the area and undertake a minor upgrade to areas within the public realm, including Duke Street and the underpass.

The proposed central courtyard will also provide a protected, shaded environment that will become a natural extension to the George Street precinct.

Yes, the design complies with the planning scheme requirements.

The previous concept proposed a slender 21-storey tower that was set back from the heritage building and Duke Street. The planning scheme guidelines were subsequently amended to limit the height of the building to 28 metres as measured from the lowest point of the site. This new height limit can accommodate a maximum of 9 storeys.

While there is limited space on the site, a substantial amount of landscaping is proposed including street trees and a podium level garden.

The Royal George Hotel will be a boutique development with 23 apartments in the new building. Apartment prices are not available as yet. However, the proposed design includes a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom premium apartments plus a 4-bedroom penthouse with roof terrace.

Yes, each apartment will have at least one parking bay with the majority of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments having two bays.

At ground level, there will be a central courtyard which is an extension of the public realm with alfresco dining, apartment entry forecourt and a general gathering space. Universal access is planned throughout the development including the heritage building.

The new apartment building will be located adjacent to the existing heritage building. They will be accessed via a central courtyard that will be an extension of the George Street public realm.

The residential building complies with the R-Codes in the area. There is minimal shadowing from the building, and a plan can be viewed as part of the development application. Internalised balconies also help with privacy for both existing and new residents.

We expect there to be approximately 50 new residents upon completion.

Whilst it is difficult to predict, we believe the target market is local owner-occupiers from the surrounding areas who are either looking to downsize from larger properties or live close to the amenity that is offered in George Street.

We will decide on our marketing strategy, including whether we have a display suite, following the outcome of the DA process.

You can be kept up to date on the project and apartment sales via the contact form on the Royal George website.

The restoration works for the heritage building commenced in September 2020 and are expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2022. Fit out works for the new hospitality uses are expected to take another six months with the completed heritage building opening to the public by early 2023.

The new apartments are expected to commence construction in the fourth quarter of 2021 and be completed in early 2023 (18 months).

Our appointed builders will be required to submit and adhere to a detailed construction management plan to the Town of East Fremantle which, amongst other things, will outline how we propose to minimise disruption to surrounding residents and businesses from noise and traffic.

We will work with the Town of East Fremantle to minimise any disruption to residents from construction worker parking.

There are some trees within our site will need to be removed to enable construction. However, our landscaping plan proposes to plant up to 25 new significant trees including 12 new street trees.

We are proposing hospitality, food and beverage, accommodation and artisan makers for the use of the existing building. This will reinforce the local identity of the precinct as well as deliver additional amenity, economic benefit and potential employment to the community.

We acknowledge that parking in the area can be difficult. The proposed development complies with the planning requirements, but we are also working with the Town of East Fremantle to find solutions to provide additional parking. Residents in the apartment building will have their own dedicated parking.

The Royal George Hotel was built in 1903.

A faithful restoration of the heritage building is underway. Initial exterior works are underway, with the next phase, including the interior restoration, set to commence by May this year.

We are carefully restoring the existing building to return it to its former glory. A lot of research has been carried out to determine original materials used and how we can match existing features as closely as possible that can’t be repaired or restored.

The restoration of the heritage building and fit out for the new hospitality uses that will occupy the space is expected to cost approximately $7 million.

A faithful restoration of the Royal George Hotel is already underway. Remaining interior restoration fit out works will be required to accommodate the proposed new uses for the Hotel and integration with the new apartment building. It is anticipated this will be complete by mid-2022 pending approvals.

Yes, all key heritage features will be retained and restored. The Royal George Hotel has a unique design with many exemplary features of the gold rush era. These are important elements that give this pre-WW1 building character and contribute to the sense of place that community members feel towards the George Street precinct.