Premier Mill- Katanning

A cornerstone building in the centre of town, the Premier Roller Flour Mill has been at the core of Katanning’s heart and soul since its foundation in 1891. Incredibly its commercial success as a flour milling operation spanned only a couple of decades.

Initially the mill supplied flour to the whole of the Albany district, replacing more expensive imports from Adelaide

The ground-floor street frontages of the mill were converted into shops from the 1930s, including a music shop, butchers, dress shops, a barber, and tearooms

As the 1980’s approached, Old Mill Corner had fallen into decline. Flour manufacturing had long ceased as had a failed foray into the oats business. Significant manufacturing interests supported by the Mill had moved to the city and the State Electricity Commission had decades previously assumed control of the Mill’s power generation business. As larger supermarkets and general stores came to town, the retailing on Mill corner also took a turn for the worse. Facing dereliction the future of the iconic Katanning Premier Roller Flour Mill suddenly looked rather bleak.

However, by 2008 maintenance and safety issues meant these activities could not continue. The public purse would not stretch to support the building’s upkeep and the prospect of dereliction became real. Perhaps in part clever marketing and in part financial necessity, the Shire of Katanning invited interest from developers to purchase the building for just one dollar. In return they sought from applicants imagination and robust capital for a scheme which they felt could be a game-changer for their town. It was from this expression of interest that the idea for what is now the Premier Mill Hotel took shape.

Cordial Bar
Below street-level in the Mill’s old machine-room is The Cordial Bar. A wine bar named in honour of their founder’s 1800’s enterprises in viticulture, aerated waters and cordials, this is also a favoured place for locals to end their day. A stunning range of wines and craft beers from the Great Southern region, even Old Young’s gin was available.

“The bar occupies the basement and is artfully inserted amongst the exposed timber structure and retained mechanical components of the mills engine. Salvaged material from the ‘flour shakers’ was used for the new bar front and an organic zinc counter was fabricated for the tops that will patina with use.”Læs mere