New life for Coogee Hotel and Post Office

• Liberal National Government's Heritage Revolving Fund revitalises former Coogee Hotel and Post Office 

Conservation and maintenance works are now complete at the State heritage-listed former Coogee Hotel and Post Office, thanks to the Liberal National Government's Heritage Revolving Fund.

Heritage Minister Albert Jacob said the works had revitalised the hotel and post office buildings, and made them fit for contemporary use.

"The Coogee Hotel is in a prime location and has been unoccupied for a long time, but will now be able to once again enhance the amenity of Coogee and nearby suburbs," Mr Jacob said.

"The works have secured the structural integrity of the buildings and revitalised their significant heritage elements, ensuring they are well conserved.

"The range of possible uses for the Coogee Hotel and Post Office include as a restaurant, cafe, tavern or professional offices."

The State Heritage Office undertook the project on behalf of Main Roads Western Australia, which owns the site.  Main Roads anticipates having the site ready for sale in the third or fourth quarter of 2016.

Compatible uses are outlined in the site's proposed structure plan, which is proceeding through the application process to the WA Planning Commission, and is with the City of Cockburn for advice.

"A structure plan will allow prospective buyers to purchase with confidence, knowing exactly what development can be progressed on this site," the Minister said.

The total value of the project was about $480,000.  Repairs included removing damaging cement-based mortar from the stonework and replacing it with lime-based mortar.

Poorly designed verandahs have been taken down and original paint colours reinstated. Intrusive internal gyprock walls and hoardings over window openings have also been removed to create space and let in light.

The other project to be funded by the $4 million revolving fund was the restoration of the Fremantle Warders' Cottages, which is well underway and will also be available for sale later this year.

Fact File

• The revolving fund is about reactivating vacant or underused publicly owned heritage buildings to ensure they have a viable future

Minister's office - 6552 5800