Public comment sought on historic Rockingham Hotel demolition

The City of Rockingham are calling on the public to have their say on the proposed demolition of the historic Rockingham Hotel.

The 137-year-old heritage listed hotel, nightclub and service station/bottleshop site was purchased by Foreshore Group earlier this year.

They are now proposing to demolish the three buildings on the site, a total area of 11,497m2.

"Foreshore is proposing the development of a tavern and function centre complex for the portion of the site adjacent to the intersection of Rockingham Beach Road and Flinders Lane, and Three Pound Group is the likely operator," the proposal read.

The Three Pound Group is the owner of several high-profile venues including the Camfield in Burswood, the Reveley at Elizabeth Quay, Good Company in the Karrinyup shopping centre, the Elford in Mt Lawley and the Stables Bar in the Perth CBD.

"This initial tavern proposal will be the first stage of a full redevelopment of the subject site," the proposal read.

"Foreshore are considering a range of development proposals including short-stay accommodation,office spaces, apartments and ground-floor retail, food and beverage outlets.

"The site has a long history as a meeting place and licensed venue, and the tavern and function centre complex will build on that history with a modern interpretation that makes optimal use of the site’s outlook to Rockingham Beach Road, the foreshore reserve and Cockburn Sound."

Foreshore Group have cited several structural defects and hazardous materials in the existing buildings including asbestos and lead paint as the reason for the demolition. 

They have also added that the hotel is regularly being vandalised and people are illegally entering the building which also poses a risk to the public if the hazardous materials are disturbed.

Rockingham residents are invited to share their thoughts on the proposal via Rock Port or via email to customer@rockingham.wa.gov.au

Submissions close 4.30pm on Wednesday 8 November 2023.