Fremantle's Sail and Anchor Hotel entered on heritage register

4/3/95

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis has announced that one of Fremantle's most famous landmarks has been placed on the State Register of Heritage Places.

Mr Lewis said the building had an important place in the history of Fremantle, as it played a significant role in the development of the port city.

The Sail and Anchor Hotel has been entered on the Register on an interim basis following a recommendation from the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

The Minister said the two-storey building was typical of the Australian pub tradition given its location on a prominent street corner, on South Terrace, and wide verandah.

"Heritage listing ensures that this valued building is preserved and also means that future generations will have an insight into the unique Australian way of life in the early 1900s," he said.

The Sail and Anchor Hotel, previously known as the Freemason's Hotel, was built between 1901 and 1903, replacing the hotel originally constructed on the same site in 1854.

The work was carried out in stages so the hotel could continue to trade and there were some additions to the building in the 1920s.

Mr Lewis said the hotel had played an important role in the regeneration of Fremantle in the 1980s.

"In the mid-80s, the owners of the hotel undertook a major renovation and upgrading of the hotel," he said.

"The work included the replacement of the verandah and balcony, which were removed in 1955 when the council introduced new regulations prohibiting projections over footpaths because of the danger they presented if a vehicle had an accident.

"At the time of the renovation the hotel was converted into the first boutique brewery in Australia and its name changed from the Freemason's to the Sail and Anchor Hotel."

Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595 / 221 1377