A new hotel paying homage to its deep history

1309 Hay Street is a landmark near-city hotel that melds old and new. Adjoining the refurbished 1902 Walsh Family residence, the hotel consists of 101 4.5 star rooms over 13 storeys.

Cooper & Oxley was engaged under an Early Contractor Involvement basis to manage and progress the design of the project, comprising a complete restoration of the Walsh residence, as well as the build of the new hotel. Our involvement in the early stages can be directly attributed to savings of over $2m and the project being delivered two weeks ahead of programme.

The stunning building is a prime example of a residential property that has successfully undergone a change of use to commercial/recreational to successfully meet the changing character and growth of Perth city.

  • Project value
    $21 m $0 m
  • Project savings achieved
    $2 m $0 m
  • Hotel rooms
    101 0
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Working within the confines of an inner-city site

One of the most challenging aspects of the project was its location. The site position and small area (approx. 450m2) meant minimal laydown areas, a high volume of pedestrians, restrictions on noise and vibration and complicated traffic management arrangements.

The key to a smooth process was engaging the City of Perth as soon as we were appointed to the contract. We prepared a plan to address any concerns and demonstrate our approach for risk mitigation and traffic management.

This upfront and detailed planning resulted in no safety incidents to the public, and a project that was delivered ahead of schedule.

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Opened in 2016 in the west end, (1309 Hay Street) was one of the first new kids on the block. The launch of the 101-room hotel brought the 1902 heritage-listed Walsh Family Residence back to life and relaunched the Italian restaurant, Julio’s.

Pouring new life into a building with an old soul

The successful heritage restoration remains a focal point of the hotel, creating a unique, historic and inviting entrance to guests. However, no heritage restoration is without its challenges.

Strict heritage guidelines meant it was crucial to restore and retain the prominent half-timbered flying gables to the street front, the veranda with decorative timber posts, as well as the brackets, frieze and balustrading.

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  • Storeys
    13 0
  • Building on a site with significant history
    1,902 0
  • Footprint
    450m2 0m2
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Our early input resulted in savings of over $2m and delivery two weeks ahead of programme.

We brought out tried-and-true building methods to patiently tackle the challenges of this heritage restoration. Through the process, Cooper & Oxley also managed to salvage fireplaces, arches, doors and heritage skirting from the demolition works.

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