Accommodation headlines Rottnest Island plan
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Some of the state government-owned beachfront accommodation units on Rottnest Island will be refurbished as part of the island authority’s new five-year management plan.
More than 60 self-contained cottages and cabins lining Geordie Bay and Fays Bay on the northern side of Rottnest Island are set for internal refurbishments and courtyard upgrades.
The state government’s Rottnest Island Authority, who operates the majority of Rottnest’s accommodation offerings, published early tender advice for the upgrade work this week.
New accommodation offerings, hospitality developments, enhancing visitor experience and cultural heritage initiatives headlined RIA’s 2023-28 management plan released on Friday.
RIA said it would explore expanding its accommodation offerings on vacant land and infill sites at the South Thomson Bay, North Thomson Bay and Bathurst precincts.
The governing body said it may also consider other private sector accommodation proposals for those areas.
In the report, RIA said it continued to refurbish and upgrade its existing accommodation stock and review options in the affordable accommodation space.
“The growth of available accommodation on Rottnest Island has not kept pace with demand,” it said.
“RIA will assess new visitor accommodation development opportunities in accordance with the Rottnest Island Land Use Plan and bring to market those opportunities most likely to deliver on its strategic objectives.
“This includes potential staff housing developments to support associated operations, which may be on or off-site.”
RIA said it was considering and planning for additional staff housing developments to support proposed new visitor accommodation.
It comes against a backdrop of staff accommodation shortages on the island, especially during the peak summer season.
In 2022, the Prendiville Gorup submitted a proposal to build a staff accommodation to house 200 Samphire Rottnest employees on Parker Point Road near Thomson Bay.
The completion of The Lodge Wadjemup redevelopment by Place Development Australia was also listed as a key outcome in the report.
The $40 million project is being developed by Place Development Australia, with Peter Fogarty’s investment firm Pendulum Capital the primary shareholder.
Construction on the 109-room resort and restaurant commenced last year and is anticipated to be completed in 2025, opening up a new accommodation and hospitality option on the island.
Social Grounds Hospitality, the veteran group behind Fremantle’s Little Creatures, has been appointed the food and beverage operator.
Another key initiative listed detailed by the state government was upgrading the Kingstown Barracks hostel and dormitories - the popular accommodation offerings for school camps.
In 2022, RIA commissioned architects to develop a design plan for the barracks which were historically used by the army.
In the report, RIA said it would pursue project funding opportunities to support the upgrades and that it would consult with key stakeholders.
RIA also reiterated its call for expressions of interests for development proposals for 1 Brand Way, which currently houses part of the island’s Family Fun Park.
It put out a call for the 11,000 square metre commercial site last month, offering a range of uses including recreation and leisure, food and beverage or accommodation.
In the report, RIA said given the facilities' aging infrastructure, the site provided an opportunity for an “experienced operator” to provide new offerings in the “prime settlement location”.
The site houses a portion of the Family Fun Park and the Picture Hall facilities, which offer activities such as mini golf, a movie hall, and an arcade.
The lease for the site is up at the end of October.