Less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide’s CBD and conveniently accessible from Gawler, Clare, and the Barossa Valley, the Hamley Bridge Hotel has been a local landmark in the Wakefield region since its establishment in 1870. Now, this historic establishment is poised for a significant transformation with a new functions area and accommodation.
The Hamley Bridge Hotel is set to undergo extensive upgrades, breathing new life into the South Australian gem. They dub themselves as “a modern country pub with old fashioned hospitality – proudly family owned and operated.” This project aims to preserve the hotel’s rich history but also position it as a vibrant hub for the local community and a magnet for visitors exploring the area.
“We’re wanting to bring people to our town to really explore the area,” co-owner Kirsty Coles says.
The proposed upgrades, designed by the esteemed Studio Nine Architects who have also been across hospitality projects like Hotel Alba, Olive and more, will introduce a host of exciting additions to the existing hotel.
These additions include a spacious function room, expanded bar and toilet facilities, and ample associated car parking, creating a versatile space for a variety of gatherings and events.
As part of the renovation, the exterior of the hotel will receive a facelift with cladding in a basalt colour, harmonising with the existing heritage plasterwork window surrounds and quoins plasterwork.
The expansion plans also encompass the construction of five cabins, catering to a range of needs, from family-style accommodations to a honeymoon-style suite with a spa bath. Like the functions area which will cater to disability accessibility, one of the cabins will also cater to wheelchair services.
Owners of the Hamley Bridge Hotel Bryon and Kirsty Coles along with their children, who took over the establishment after it had been closed for two and a half years, have expressed their vision for the project. They are eager to provide more opportunities for the area, emphasising the need for a dedicated venue to host functions, such as weddings, football club events, and live music performances.
“The real reason for this expansion is we would like to bring more opportunity the area, servicing the wider community and attracting outside visitors,” co-owner Bryon Coles says.
“This is very niche. A lot of country pubs don’t have this option. We’ve got a lot of drive and vision. The plains get forgotten about a lot, so we want to get people out here and draw attention to the region.”
The hotel’s strategic location near the Barns of Freeling presents numerous opportunities for these functions. The expansion project also aims to create employment opportunities and contribute to the local community’s growth.
“We want to provide more employment opportunities and expand the area. There’s also plans submitted to council at the moment for another housing development with about 300 blocks,” Kirsty says.
With a modern twist to the historic building, the Hamley Bridge Hotel seeks to provide a multifunctional space that seamlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary amenities. The owners are committed to maintaining the hotel’s character while enhancing its offerings.
“We want to infuse a modern essence into the historic framework while maintaining its authentic character. We’ve seen the hospitality developments happening in Adelaide, and that’s helped us form out vision,” Kirsty says.
As one of the few options for hosting functions in the region, the Hamley Bridge Hotel aspires to become a central hub for local communities.
The addition of a function centre will not only expand its services but also provide more seating options for diners at the hotel. The versatile space will cater to both seated and standing events of up to 250 people, enhancing its utility for various community purposes.
Having been involved in previous ventures, including a BP station in Roseworthy, the owners are exited to take on a new project in this space. The upgrades are anticipated to be completed by mid-2026, with the hotel poised to become a thriving centre for functions, entertainment, and community engagement.
Hamley Bridge Hotel
Where: 17 Light Street, Hamley Bridge
Open currently: Tuesday to Saturday
Lunch 12 noon – 2pm
Dinner 6pm – 8pm
Sunday
All day dining 12 noon – 8pm
Renovations: expected to be completed 2026
More info: Click here
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