The State Government has named Mirvac as the preferred proponent for the $100 million landmark hotel and residential development in Port Hedland on a 2.87 hectare site with ocean frontage, provided by the State Government.
The State Government has named Mirvac as the preferred proponent for the $100 million landmark hotel and residential development in Port Hedland
The developer beat three other proponents to the 2.87 hectare ocean-front site, with a proposal for a 116-room, four-star plus hotel together with serviced apartments, conference facilities, restaurant, bar, coffee shop, gym and outdoor recreation areas.
Development of the southern portion of the site will also include more than 50 apartments and small single home lots.
Designed by Grounds Kent architects, the eco-friendly complex is expected to provide about 120 new jobs when open in late 2009.
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Alannah MacTiernan acknowledged that there was a chronic lack of hotel accommodation in the town, due mainly to the critical demand for housing from nearby mining operations.
While anticipating the hotel would provide a boost to tourism, Ms MacTiernan did not rule out the possibility of the facility being used to house mine workers.
"We'll make sure that we provide for tourism by ensuring it remains a hotel available for all...we'll have to work through that detail with Mirvac," she said.
Ms MacTiernan said the project could set a new benchmark for future development in Hedland, with the design aiming to take advantage of the natural surrounds and reduce energy and water consumption.
Mirvac WA chief executive Evan Campbell said the hotel and residential development would act as a catalyst for future developments.
"The design of the hotel will embrace the unique character and culture of the Pilbara, and will be in line with Mirvac's strong commitment to sustainability, quality and design," he said in a statement.
Landcorp will now negotiate with Mirvac to finalise a contract for the project.
The full text of an announcement from Ms MacTiernan's office is pasted below
Mirvac has been chosen as the preferred proponent for the $100 million landmark hotel and residential development in Port Hedland on land provided by the State Government.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said four submissions for developing Port Hedland Lot 406, a 2.87ha site with ocean frontage, had been assessed by a panel including representatives of the Town of Port Hedland, Tourism WA, the private sector and the architectural industry.
"The successful proposal will present a dramatic landmark on the oceanfront and include a quality 116-room, four-star plus hotel and serviced apartments with a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, conference facilities, gym and outdoor recreation areas," Ms MacTiernan said.
"This will provide a huge boost for visitor accommodation in Port Hedland, as well as a great outcome for the community in terms of a first class recreational venue.
"The architectural style of the proposal responds to the climate with clever design enabling occupants to enjoy the benefit of the town's breezes.
"This project could set a new benchmark for future development in Hedland, with the design aiming to take advantage of the natural surrounds and reduce energy and water consumption."
Central Kimberley-Pilbara MLA Tom Stephens said the hotel was expected to generate 120 new jobs, as well as extensive training opportunities when it opened in late 2009.
"Development of the southern portion of the site will also include more than 50 apartments and small single home lots, providing more accommodation diversity for Hedland," Mr Stephens said.
Mirvac WA CEO Evan Campbell said the new hotel and residential development would be an exciting addition to the landscape of Port Hedland and importantly act as a catalyst for future developments.
"We are extremely pleased to continue our strong working relationship with Landcorp, and we look forward to providing Port Hedland with an appealing hotel and facilities for the whole town to enjoy," Mr Campbell said.
"This is the first time that a hotel above four-star plus has been proposed for Port Hedland. The design of the hotel will embrace the unique character and culture of the Pilbara, and will be in line with Mirvac's strong commitment to sustainability, quality and design."
Town of Port Hedland Mayor Stan Martin said the development of a high quality hotel in Port Hedland was a very big step forward for the town.
"We are very pleased this project is coming to fruition and we will be working closely with Mirvac to ensure that the project progresses quickly," Mr Martin said.
The State Government's land development agency, LandCorp will now negotiate with Mirvac to finalise a contract for the project.
