Hedland Hotel set for major renovations including pizzeria and bigger alfresco space

One of only a small selection of restaurant offerings in Port Hedland will finally be brought into the 21st century, with massive renovation plans on the way. The Hedland Hotel has applied to change its liquor licence to allow for an expanded alfresco, a new pizzeria, coffee bar and function areas. General manager Ross McGregor said the renovations to the old building were a necessary step to meet a growing tourist demand. “We want to give the building a birthday,” he said. “The building is a 1960s build. I think the last renovations were in the 1990s.” “There’s a huge drive (for the upgrades).” The Town of Port Hedland has put tourism at the forefront of its development plan with the announcement of its 2022 Economic Development and Tourism Strategy. The strategy seeks to create 5000 new jobs by 2041. Port Hedland Tourist Centre manager Julie Arif welcomed the improvements to the hotel but said more still needs to be done to improve the options for visitors. “It’s hard to get a bed. We only have the Hedland Hotel and Hospitality Port Hedland ,” Ms Arif said. “We have visitors come in and they ask for restaurant recommendations. We can only offer them the two hotels. It needs to improve.” The expanded facilities at the Hedland Hotel will be designed on a Palm Springs theme and provide a space for big community events. Mr McGregor said the upgrades were not only being driven by tourism but would also provide an economic boost and give the community a modern place to relax. “There’s very limited spending in the region. We want to change that.” “We think there will be an additional 10 to 15 jobs.” Mr McGregor said there was no need to worry about the impact of giving Port Hedland a bigger and better place to drink alcohol because the hotel already had good systems in place. “There won’t be any change to the way the hotel operates.” “We are a food-first venue. We don’t see any issues there (with alcohol).” Although the expanded facilities will provide space for more patrons, Mr McGregor said this was something hotel security could handle and ensuring events at the hotel did not disturb residents was the venue’s top priority. Accommodation at the Esplanade Hotel Port Hedland remains temporarily shut as the venue undergoes major renovations.