Savoy Hotel, Perth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Savoy Hotel |
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| General information | |
| Type | Hotel |
| Architectural style | Federation Free Classical |
| Location | 636–640 Hay Street, Perth, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 31°57′15″S 115°51′34″E / 31.95416°S 115.85955°E |
| Completed | 1914 |
| Owner | Starhill Global REIT |
| Height | Five storey |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Talbot Hobbs |
| Architecture firm | Hobbs, Smith & Forbes |
| Main contractor | C. W. Arnott |
| Renovating team | |
| Architect | William G. Bennett |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 23 November 2001 |
| Reference no. | 3264 |
The Savoy Hotel is a famous old building in Hay Street, Perth, Western Australia. It was once a grand hotel. Built in the early 1910s, it welcomed guests for many years. The hotel closed its doors in 1991. Today, it is recognized as an important historic place. It is listed on the State Register of Historic Places. It was also classified by the National Trust of Australia.
Contents
A Look Back: The Hotel's Story
From Shamrock to Savoy
Before the Savoy Hotel, a two-storey building called the Shamrock Hotel stood on this spot. It was built way back in the 1840s. Over the years, it had different owners and managers. One important owner was Daniel Connor, a successful businessman. He bought the hotel in 1883. Later, his son-in-law, Timothy Quinlan, helped manage it.
In 1912, plans were made for a brand new hotel. The famous Perth architect, Talbot Hobbs, designed it. The builder, C. W. Arnott, started work in 1913. The old Shamrock Hotel was taken down to make way for the new building.
A Grand New Hotel
The new hotel was huge for its time. It had five floors and was considered one of the largest hotels in Australia. In 1914, it officially opened as the Savoy Hotel. People even called it the Ritz of Australia in 1916. The Savoy also had a large theatre at the back. This theatre could hold 1,500 people for shows and events.
Changes Over the Years
The Savoy Hotel stayed busy between World War I and World War II. In the 1930s, some shops opened on the ground floor. For example, the Betts & Betts shoe store moved in during 1931. In 1930, a small fire damaged the kitchen roof. In 1936, the inside of the hotel got a fresh new look. This was designed by architect William G. Bennett.
During World War II, the Australian Army used the Savoy Hotel. It became a club and place to stay for army officers. Almost 100 officers could live there at one time.
New Owners and a New Name
In 1959, Cecil Brothers bought the hotel building. By 1961, the Betts & Betts shoe store took over the entire ground floor. They created what was said to be the biggest shoe shop in the world!
Later, a famous Australian rules footballer named Jack Sheedy managed the hotel. He changed its name to Savoy Plaza Hotel. This was to give it a more modern feel. It also linked it to the nearby 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
Closing Down and Refurbishment
The Savoy Hotel closed its doors in June 1991. All its furniture and fittings were sold. By 1997, the building needed major repairs. Its exterior was refurbished in 2002. This happened when the David Jones site next door was being developed. In 2009, a company called Starhill Global REIT bought the hotel site.
The Savoy Cinema Experience
A Unique Movie Spot
In 1955, a special cinema called the Savoy opened in the hotel's basement. It used to be a billiard room. This cinema had 300 seats. It was known for its "hour shows." These were continuous programs that ran from 10 AM until late at night. People could come and go as they pleased. It was perfect for shoppers or anyone with a short time to spare. The cinema even offered a nursery and places to store parcels.
Changing Times for Movies
When television became popular, the Savoy Cinema changed its style. It started showing re-runs of popular movies instead of newsreels. For example, in 1964, it showed a Three Stooges' film many times a day. In 1965, it showed East of Eden.
Over time, the cinema began to show more grown-up films. By 1975, it focused only on movies with an "R" rating. This was a successful strategy for a while. The cinema closed briefly in 1983. It reopened with more regular movies. In 1987, it became a cinema for adults. The Savoy Cinema finally closed in August 1991. Its equipment was moved to another cinema.
By 1997, the cinema's entrance was gone. Shops had expanded into that space. However, you could still access the old, empty cinema from a laneway behind the hotel.
Why the Savoy Hotel is Important
The Savoy Hotel is a very important part of Western Australia's history. It was officially recognized by the National Trust of Western Australia in 1978. In 1982, it was added to the Register of the National Estate. This means it was considered a significant place for all of Australia.
Today, the Savoy Hotel is also on the State Heritage Register. It is listed on the City of Perth's local inventory of important buildings. These listings help protect the building and its history for future generations.
