Esplanade Hotel Fremantle Is Getting A Major Refurbishment Ahead Of Its 130th Anniversary

The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges has officially begun a major refurbishment, with the design-led transformation arriving as the heritage-listed property approaches its 130th anniversary. Scheduled to roll out in stages until mid-2027, the project will revitalise some of the hotel's most important guest spaces while carefully preserving the character that has made it a fixture of Fremantle since 1896.

Rather than overhauling the entire property, the works will focus on the spaces that shape the guest experience most—from the lobby and arrival experience to the Atrium Garden Restaurant, conference and event venues, and selected public and heritage areas. Architecture firm Hames Sharley is leading the redesign, striking a balance between contemporary functionality and the building's historic fabric.

The refurbishment also includes a significant technology upgrade, with new LED walls, enhanced lighting systems and improved audio-visual capabilities set to modernise the hotel's extensive events offering. Already home to one of the largest conference and function facilities in the region, the investment is expected to further cement the Esplanade's reputation as a destination for conferences, weddings and major celebrations.

Importantly, the hotel will remain open throughout the works. All 300 guest rooms and suites will continue operating as normal, alongside long-running dining venues Ball & Chain and Marine Lounge Bar, ensuring visitors can still experience one of Fremantle's most iconic stays while the next chapter takes shape.

Image credit: Hames Sharley | Supplied

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