The refurbishment of the historic Ceduna Foreshore Hotel is a perfect conduit for the town’s idyllic position on the shores of the Great Australian Bight.

Located approximately 800kms west of Adelaide, Ceduna is a picturesque coastal oasis with approximately 240,000 tourists passing through annually.

While some are simply heading west for Perth or east for Adelaide, many take the time to stop and sample the clear blue waters and pristine beaches of Murat Bay, where fishing and boating are popular pursuits.

Overlooking the bay, the redeveloped Ceduna Foreshore Hotel has grasped the opportunity to offer their patrons views of the sweeping coastline and spectacular sunsets.

Ceduna Hotel financial controller David Carr, who has been with the hotel for 13 years, said the views of the bay played an integral part in the refurbishment plans.

“The hotel has the enviable position of being located on the foreshore,” he said.

“The general theme was to keep things open and airy and take advantage of the views.

“This has been achieved and many interstate patrons acknowledge the stunning views that we have.

“The whole front of the new hotel is glass and glass windows, so that patrons can take in the views across the bay.

“We have always known that we have the best view across the bay, but the redevelopment has really brought this home.”

Originally built in 1903, the Ceduna Hotel has long served as a stop-over point for outback travelers, seeking some rest and relaxation as they make their way along the Eyre Highway.

In 1949, the local community purchased the hotel and as David explained, this has generated funds for both the town’s population and the refurbishment.

“The Ceduna Community Hotel is one of a number of  ‘community’ owned venues around the State, whereby no particular person is the owner of the property, and profits generated by the hotel are returned to the community, or used for redeveloping the hotel itself,” he said.

David said with increased sales and profit, the refurbishment has already impacted positively for the community through sponsorships and donations.

“For example, $43,000 was donated to the local Ceduna and Districts Health Service for a new digital x-ray developing machine, and the hotel provides annual sponsorship of $15,000 to the local Ceduna Oysterfest, which is held on the October long weekend.”
 
“The Community purchased the lease and freehold in August 1949, so we will be celebrating 60 years of ownership next year in 2009.

The catalyst for the hotel’s redevelopment can be traced back to a meeting in 2002, when it was realised there was a need for change. 

“Oddly enough, the desire to improve the property was highlighted during a strategic planning session in December 2002, whereby it became obvious that we would not be able to sustain the level of patronage if we did not bring the hotel up to the level that was now being expected by our customers,” he said.

Utilising the unique design talents of Ken Milne of Ken Milne Architects, the hotel’s management set the wheels in motion for the stunning transformation.

David said Ken Milne Architects were carefully chosen.

“Due to the size of the investment, we initially called for expressions of interest from a number of Adelaide based architects for the design development of a master plan for the hotel,” he said.

“We subsequently visited a large number of Adelaide hotels that had been renovated, as you do, and considered the workmanship, styles, themes and quality of designs of each of the hotels.

“Ken Milne Architects was a constant amongst these.”

With Ken onboard, the project was in full-swing.
 
“Ken was responsible for the architectural drawings and décor of the hotels, and like all buildings we required the odd change or two to meet operational needs as the building progressed,” David said.

After working extensively with Ken on the new vision for the hotel, the construction commenced, and as David explained, turning the vision into reality was a long process.    

“The refurbishment of the hotel involved the demolition of the old hotel as we knew it, providing temporary bar, gaming and kitchen facilities, and then building a 2000m2 ground floor new hotel, and also incorporate the proposed 1500m2 stage two accommodation infrastructure.

“Our vision, as mentioned previously, was to maximise the view of the bay for our bistro and bars, and this involved obtaining 1000m2 in front of the hotel that was owned by various government departments and council.

“This particular part of the project took some four years before the new road was gazetted and titles issued, before the finance could be approved and building approved.

“Initially the project was to be completed in 12 months starting in April 2007, but with a number of normal building issues arising and the tyranny of distance building in Ceduna, the project eventually was completed in 15 months.

“All up, including all fees and building costs, the refurbishment of the hotel cost $9 million.”

Reflecting on the enormity and success of the refurbishment, David was thrilled with how the refurbishment had turned out.

“Sensational,” he said

“An iconic hotel for country South Australia being the gateway to Western Australia.

“Over 5,000 people visited the hotel in the first week.

“Local residents are extremely proud of their new hotel.

“I don’t think it is easy to contemplate demolishing a hotel completely, having it tie into existing buildings, whilst at the same time giving the hotel a new image.

“I am fortunate that Ken Milne has completed this redevelopment as successfully as he has.

“It has met the needs that we wanted in taking advantage of the views across the bay, and provided a quality venue that appeals to the eye as well as being a functional hotel.

“We receive many compliments from interstate customers along the lines that there aren’t many hotels that they have visited that are as good as this hotel, and with an exceptional view to match”.

“This in itself is the outcome that we were looking for and we have to congratulate Ken for helping us with our vision.”

As the reaction, cost and timeframe suggests, the refurbishment is extensive.

The new structure features an outdoor alfresco area overlooking the bay, capable of hosting 75 guests.

The area is already proving popular for outdoor functions, with the area recently hosting a wedding reception.

Undercover veranda seating across the front of the hotel adds another outdoor dining section, allowing patrons to experience those balmy nights by the bay.

Also incorporating views of Murat Bay is the 200 capacity bistro/bar area, where you will find a dry stack stone wall with a skylight above and wood panelling, creating an ambience popular with visitors. 

“The rich tones of the wall panelling are deep but not overpowering and blend in well with the rest of the furniture and bar equipment,” David said.

“The chairs in the bistro look right and they fit the mood with the carpet having a blend of natural colours of the area and the sea.

“The furniture was purchased through James Richardson Furniture and we were keen for an up market, formal and relaxed feel.

“The chrome and black leather chairs in the bistro look stunning and the casual area furniture in the alfresco is comfortable and fitting of an outdoor area.

“The wall itself is a reminder of the local stonework that is seen in many historical buildings in the area, bringing a little of the old into the new.

“While in the sports bar we have installed a timber slat ceiling that resembles the grating that is found in shearing sheds, bringing a little of the country into the hotel.”

Indeed, the design is mindful of the regions rich cultural heritage.

“Inside the hotel we have incorporated a formal entry that displays local history photos of the area, and have engaged the local aboriginal arts and cultural centre to display their artist’s works,” David said.

The main dining area is the Sunset Bistro, which provides a full quality menu including local seafood, complimented by a new wine list through Constellation Wines.

“Our kitchen and bistro team is headed by our executive chef, Michael Holien.
 
“We also have a Fine Wine and Dine evening once a month and a monthly Chinese Banquet, which is prepared by our in-house chef, Aaron Kwong.

Indeed, under the guidance of new hotel manager Gavin Sincock since February, the team at the Ceduna Hotel has worked hard to improve its already high quality of service.

“Gavin has been instrumental in assisting in changing the mindset of staff in regards to good customer service and public relations,” David said.

In need of quality masonry workmanship, the hotel sought out the help of Adelaide-based Trew Stone Contractors, who employ a multi-skilled workforce and are widely known as the masonry specialists.

Trew Stone Contractors are a company that works on projects interstate and have been involved in many hotel refurbishments throughout regional South Australia.

After commencing work on the Ceduna Hotel in mid-2006, Trew Stone Contractors director Mark Trewartha said the project encompassed several of the company’s masonry trades such as brick work, block work, stone work, plaster and concrete, and included building block walls under the floor slab to give the elevated view over the Ceduna foreshore.

“The project spanned around 18 months for us, which had given our employees a chance to view the near final product,” he said.

“The hotel is a very good design, taking full advantage of the views over the Ceduna foreshore, and being able to enjoy outdoor dining as well as a warm and cozy environment inside.”

Mark, whose company won the MBA Structural Excellence Award in 2004, said the redevelopment was fantastic for Ceduna.

“Having worked several years prior in Ceduna and dining at the old Ceduna Community Hotel, the redevelopment of the foreshore site has been fantastic and really contributes to making Ceduna an oasis for travelers heading west or returning from Western Australia.”

With the Ceduna Foreshore Hotel having entered a new era, David looked forward to the next stage of its evolution.
 
“As part of the first stage development, we installed the concrete floor of the proposed first floor accommodation rooms, provided the electrical service and waste-water plumbing to this floor,” he said.

“So we are looking forward to completing this next stage as soon as possible with preliminary discussions underway.

“Ken Milne Architects have also assisted us in providing architectural drawings and plans for the upgrading of our existing function and dining room, which will be completed by January/February 2009.

“This will provide a more modern style function room and incorporate a breakout area that exits directly to the new alfresco area overlooking the bay.”