The Highway Hotel has been a long standing fixture to Bunbury, and it was a great honour for Perkins Builders to conduct the renovations on this heritage listed building. Originally built in 1896 for former Bunbury town councillor, hairdresser, tobacconist and taxi owner Charles Eggleston, it then saw a transition in July 1897 as the Federal Hotel & Barber’s Shop. The facade and interior of the hotel was also altered a number of times — in 1925 it was completely remodelled and in 1938 additions were carried out. 1950 saw the premises renamed the Highway Hotel by the then publicans Roy and Keith Hancock who extended the pub along Forrest Avenue and opened one of WA’s first beer gardens.  Fast forward to 2011, and the hotel was once again in need of renovations.

Perkins Builders adaptively renovated the Highway Hotel to a contemporary bar, bistro lounge and dining, new function lounge for larger events and function room to accommodate corporate events or training. The existing entry and verandah to the southern elevation maintains the original entry point and provides association with it’s heritage by maintaining the original brickwork.

Considerable design research was undertaken to aesthetically integrate the different building stages into a cohesive modern complex while at the same time preserving the individual heritage qualities of the buildings. The extensive reconstruction required all the traditional trades including bricklaying, plastering, carpentry and joinery and was carried out with expertise and enthusiasm by the tradesmen involved. As well as these trades, the building was completely rewired, plumbed and air conditioned to provide a contemporary environment, this being completed in sympathy with the heritage fabric.

A new tilt-panel building was also constructed backing onto the hotel for the new, Dan Murphy’s Bunbury Liquor Store.

This project was Winner of the 2013 Master Builders Association of Western Australia South West Building Excellence Awards, Commercial Alterations and Additions over $6m.