A STATEMENT from the building owners of the Parade Hotel has revealed that they found out the iconic hotel was closing its doors on the same day the community did.
A solicitor acting for the Gatti family, who have owned the property since 1997, issued a statement to the Bunbury Mail late this afternoon after the hotel unexpectedly closed earlier this month.
It explained that the Gatti family operated the venue until 2001 when a leasehold interest was granted for 15 years and the Lemmone family took over operations.
In January 2012, the remaining leasehold interest was assigned to Crooked Billet Investments Pty Ltd, a company controlled by Margaret Newton.
The Gatti family stated that they became aware of Ms Newton’s decision to close the business on April 15, the same day the Parade’s staff and customers found out via a note on the front door.
They were not in a position to reopen the hotel immediately but have now advertised the property.
“The landlord has advertised for expressions of interest in relation to the freehold or leasehold interest in the hotel and will consider redevelopment of the property,” the statement read.
Consumer Protection is continuing to gather information from customers and traders who had paid deposits to the business before it closed.
Ms Newton has advised the Mail she does not wish to comment on the situation.
Contact the Consumer Protection office on 9722 2888, 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au
