One of Perth’s beloved taverns is slated to undergo a large-scale restoration soon. One of Highgate’s premier pubs, the Brisbane Hotel, was constructed in 1898 at the corner of Beaufort and Brisbane Street. Recognising its long history, the proposal aims to preserve its external facade and its place in Perth citizens’ hearts. With an expansion to support the rush of sporting events at the HBF Park, this revival is highly anticipated.
The new updates include peeling back layers of green paint to reveal the historic brick wall. Furthermore, a fresh outdoor canopy (or pavilion) and the rejuvenation of the heritage building are in the works. Reportedly, the space after expansion will be able to entertain almost 900 people.
Brisbane Hotel to undergo major changes soon
According to the documents released by the City of Vincent administration, the pavilion is part of a “142 square-metre single storey rear addition”. Additionally, the facades of Brisbane Street and Beaufort Street will receive a new awning.
Other renovations include repairing the toilets and the back of house, landscaping deep soil areas of 34.8 sq. m, and conserving and remodelling the existing Beaufort Street addition façade, courtyard wall and windows. They also intend to remove several bays from the City’s Car Park, with seven confirmed so far.
First sent to the government in November 2025, the project is under review with a final decision to be submitted by the Development Assessment Panel (DAP) soon. The Brisbane Hotel has started stripping the paint and is likely to begin the expansion soon.
Regular customers will be happy to learn that the new developments do not affect the pub’s running hours. Stop by for a cold pint and appetisers at the Brisbane Hotel in Highgate, even if the outside looks slightly wonky (for the time being).
