Murray Bridge’s Bridgeport Hotel reopens to public after two-year, $45m redevelopment

The Bridgeport Hotel is reopening after two years of development, aiming to make the town a destination and not just the journey. See inside.

The river bar at the $45m six-storey redevelopment of the Bridgeport Hotel. Picture: Tom Huntley

More than 120 new jobs have been created by the $45m Bridgeport Hotel’s redevelopment, which officially opens in Murray Bridge on Tuesday.

General manager Mary-Lou Corcoran said Murray Bridge had long been short of large-scale accommodation, and the project would help inspire more people to spend extra time in the region instead of simply passing through.

There were about 25 people employed at the hotel before its revamp, which was underway for about 24 months. Now, the new five-storey complex has a staff of 148 to help run its 100 hotel rooms, five bars, a restaurant, four conference rooms, bottle shop, gaming area and infinity pool.

A riverside suite at the Bridgeport Hotel. Picture: Tom Huntley

“We’ve been very lucky with the timing – it was completely unpredictable what would happen with Covid,” she said.

“But as people were staying closer to home and getting out to the regions of South Australia, it’s been a great time to open a hotel and showcase the beautiful Murraylands for what they are.”

The new staff include 52 people who were long-term unemployed and 23 staff from Big W’s former distribution centre at Monarto, which closed last month.

Hotel general manager Mary-Lou Corcoran (middle) with Shaun Hourihan, apprentice chef, Kristen Collis, housekeeping attendant, Diane Marks, food and beverage functions attendant, and Josh Clark, bar attendant. Picture: Tom Huntley

While the hotel officially opens on Tuesday, it has already been tested out by a group of about 130 people who spent the weekend in Murray Bridge during a Rowing Australia camp.

The young rowers are preparing to compete in the World Rowing Cup III Simulation Regatta, which was scheduled to happen in Sydney but was moved to West Lakes because of water quality issues.

Cod's Sport Bar. Picture: Tom Huntley

The Rivergum restaurant. Picture: Tom Huntley

The State Government has pitched in $193,764 towards a project supporting 56 trainees at the hotel, including 10 Aboriginal staff, to complete a Certificate III in hospitality.

“The main aim of the project is for the Bridgeport Hotel to support local retention of staff and allow many locals an opportunity to upskill,” Ms Corcoran said.

Shaun Hourihan, 17, has landed a role as an apprentice chef, and hopes it will set him on the pathway to his “dream job” as an executive chef or sous-chef.

Innovation and Skills Minister David Pisoni said Aboriginal participants would receive mentoring from Elders from Ngopamuldi Aboriginal Corporation during their work placement and probationary period.