South Fremantle brewery Running with Thieves has signed a five-year deal to run a vacated yacht club at Port Hedland’s Spoilbank Marina.
South Fremantle brewery Running With Thieves has signed a five-year deal to run a vacated yacht club at Port Hedland’s Spoilbank Marina.
The Town of Port Hedland’s commissioners signed off on the lease agreement on Wednesday night after a previous deal with a local operator fell through due to dysfunction among the now-disbanded council.
Some $2.1 million worth of refurbishments were completed by the Town to get the yacht club premises ready for occupation.
Running with Thieves owner Mike Simm said the team was committed to creating something truly special.
“I have many fond memories of the yacht club from my time in Hedland, and we can’t wait to create a venue our Pilbara neighbours will be jealous of,” he said.
“As a business owner in the Pilbara, we will also ensure we use local suppliers and products where we can.”
Mr Simm lived in Port Hedland for more than 10 years where he worked as Northfleet’s managing director.
He and two other Northfleet-linked partners bought Running With Thieves out of administration in 2023.
Running With Thieves is the fifth largest independent brewery in Western Australia, according to Data&Insights.
Town of Port Hedland regulatory services director Kylie Davies said the venue would help to activate the Spoilbank Marina site.
“The former yacht club site reopening has been eagerly anticipated by our community for some time, and we’re thrilled to start working alongside Running with Thieves to see the vision come to life,” she said.
“This will be a fantastic addition to the Spoilbank Marina precinct and become a real focal point for the community and a drawcard for visitors to the Pilbara.
“This exciting development reflects the Town’s commitment to lifting liveability, demonstrating Hedland is a fantastic place to live, work and play.”
The $187.5m Spoilbank Marina was opened in late 2024.
Initial designs would have seen the development include buildings for commercial tenancies.
That was scaled back by the McGowan government due to concerns about costs and patronage.
