Gold rush Exchange Hotel heritage listed

Friday, 16 September 2016

• ​The Federation Filigree Exchange Hotel articulates exuberance of gold rush years
• One of the oldest hotel sites in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, rebuilt in 1901

One of Kalgoorlie-Boulder's most recognised and photographed establishments, the Exchange Hotel on Hannan Street, has been celebrated by its inclusion in the State Register of Heritage Places.

Heritage Minister Albert Jacob said the prominent landmark hotel characterised the exuberance and prosperity of the hotel industry during the gold boom.

"The grandeur of the Exchange Hotel evokes memories of the economic prosperity that characterised Kalgoorlie during the gold rush," Mr Jacob said.

"This was a time when the gold boom was having a profound impact on Western Australia and the subsequent growth and development changed the face and fortunes of our State."

As Kalgoorlie's population grew during the gold rush years, Hannan Street saw a growth in hotels from 1894 onwards, to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding town.

A hotel has been operating on the site of the Exchange Hotel since 1894. The existing hotel was built in 1901, and at its opening was described as a 'credit to the town'.

Hotels were crucial to the economic and social life of the Goldfields.  They were meeting places for the mine workers, providing comfortable surroundings in contrast to their everyday experience.

Designed by architects Hawkins and Sprigg, the Exchange Hotel is characterised by its grand Federation Filigree style, with a protruding gabled verandah and corner belvedere.

"Today, the Exchange Hotel continues to be an important social hub for locals and tourists who want to experience the grandeur of a by-gone era," the Minister said.

Fact File

• For more information about the Exchange Hotel, visit http://www.stateheritage.wa.gov.au