Pinjarra’s Exchange Hotel finds new operators

Friday, 28 October 2022 12:21

By Chelsea Bowden

Plans to redevelop one of Western Australia’s oldest hotels are moving forward with the venue's new operators announced today.

Karl and Janine Bullers will be the new operators of the soon-to-be refurbished Exchange Hotel in Pinjarra following endorsement from the Shire of Murray Council.

The hotelier couple from England have built a strong reputation for transforming unloved heritage buildings into successful hospitality venues.

Mr and Mrs Bullers already own the Old Courthouse and The National Hotel in Fremantle, which have both undergone significant transformations.

Shire of Murray President Cr David Bolt said it was the care the couple had put into their previous projects that captured the Shire’s attention.

“When we saw how Karl and Janine fought to preserve the history and heritage of The National Hotel whilst also making it modern and attractive to a contemporary audience, we knew they were the right people to shepherd the Exchange Hotel in the coming years,” Cr Bolt said.

“Our community members tell us they want us to be effective stewards of our environment, history, heritage and rural character, and it’s clear that Karl and Janine share those same values.”

PIC: Shire of Murray.

The historic Exchange Hotel closed its doors in 2008 and has remained untouched since the Shire of Murray Council purchased the site in 2012.

But thanks to a shared community vision, endorsement from the Council and the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund grant, a redevelopment is finally underway.

$6.5 million will be spent on the redevelopment and the refurbished venue will offer an event space to host weddings, private events, and farmer's markets, as well as an outdoor garden and riverside dining.

It is expected that the project will deliver over $57 million of new economic output to the local economy over five years.

It is predicted that the Exchange Hotel will reopen its doors late next year.