MORE than 500 people helped Premier Colin Barnett declare the restored Guildford Hotel open at an opening night party on Wednesday.
Mr Barnett, with champagne in hand, asked everyone to raise their glass and say with him “the new Guildford Hotel is open”.
“Great party, fantastic, we’ve even got Rapunzel up in the window, how are you up there?” he said of a long-haired woman overlooking proceedings with others from a brick feature archway upstairs.
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READ NOWMr Barnett said it was an incredibly important moment for Guildford and congratulated owners the Martino brothers.
“They bought this property and two years later it virtually burns down in fire,” he said.
“They persevered and here we have it today.
“And congratulations to The Publican Group for the way they’ve been involved in the renovation of this and setting it up as a great new Guildford Hotel.
“Also to the architects and craftsmen that have worked on this.
“This is a unique heritage project. From the outside the hotel has got its grandeur from 130 years ago. Inside I guess it’s funky or whatever word you might use.
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“And to reflect not only the hotel but the history of the fire from 2008 and to incorporate burned beams and destroyed bits and pieces and make it such an attractive venue is terrific.”
He cut a red ribbon with Publican Group directors John Ahern and Steve Garcia.
“Congratulations. This is a great venue, a great venue for the Swan Valley, for Guildford for tourism and for heritage,” Mr Barnett said.
“Well done, enjoy the place, everyone party.”
GOAL ACHIEVED
AFTER disappointments, potential demolition, we’ve achieved our goal by creating something for the West Australian public to call their own again. A pub that has now reopened.
I feel the pub has a very special place for so many different people that are in the room and outside the room here tonight.
I think the stories can continue on and I think they will be something that people will be able to create tonight and in months to come.
Thank you for your support. Continue to support us. This is when we need you the most; not just tonight but ongoing.
Thank you so much for your patience and I really appreciate all the support you’ve given us so far.
–The Publican Group director John Ahern