CHRIS THOMSON

The owner of the Claremont and Leederville hotels intends to transform the rundown Fremantle Club building into a niche, four-storey hotel.

A licensing application seen by oneperth.com.au reveals that Patrick Prendiville plans to erect a “new class … a new breed” of venue to be named the Fremantle Club Hotel.

Located in Bannister Street, just west of the South Terrace cafe strip, the hotel would offer 89 tiny, 15sqm, rooms themed as luxury motor yacht cabins.

Three self-contained apartments are also proposed.

Complementing the nautical rooms would be a rooftop bar and restaurant/bar offering a “vast” array of international and local wines.

Old cellars under the existing heritage building would eventually be used to store up to 500 cases of various wine vintages.

Mr Prindiville’s company, Red Rock Consolidated, bought the building off the Fremantle Club on September 29.

He is seeking approval for a hotel to sell liquor from 6am to midnight Mondays to Saturdays, and on Sundays between 10am and 10pm.

A front desk would allow guests to “customise” their mini bar with a selection of wines, beer and snacks. An unrestricted liquor licence has been sought to accommodate this.

Earlier this month, Fremantle City Council approved in principle Mr Prindiville’s plans to demolish much of the 1960s extension to the club and refurbish the heritage component (pictured above).

A three-wing, four-storey hotel (pictured, left) would rise in the club’s place.

A pool, gym and landscaped gardens are also on the drawing board.

The port city is yet to grant final approval for the project.