Broome's Tropicana set for revamp

An investment syndicate comprising Charter Property, Churchill Capital, Prendiville Group and Broome International Airport has appointed prominent resort builder Rapley Wilkinson to redevelop Broome's Tropicana Inn.

As reported in WA Business News last month, Rapley will take charge of the $30 million first stage of the redevelopment which will result in 95 one and two bedroom apartments, reception, bar, restaurant, two swimming pools and staff accommodation.

The company is due to be issued its building licence in a month, with construction to begin in September.

Site owner Tropicana Enterprises plans to develop a further two stages comprising 88 apartments and a swimming pool.

Rapley Wilkinson has constructed many of Broome's most popular resorts including Cable Beach Club, Rendezvous Sanctuary Cable Beach, The Frangipani, Bali Hai, Kimberley Klub, Habitat Beach Resort, and Broome Beach Resort.

The full text of a company announcement is pasted below

The continuing demand for quality tourist accommodation in Broome was underlined with the signing of a construction contract to redevelop the Tropicana Inn into a major first class resort.

The $30 million Stage 1 redevelopment will result in 95 one and two bedroom apartments, reception, bar and restaurant plus accommodation for staff.

Also included in the three level Stage 1 contract are two swimming pools, ample car parking and extensive landscaping.

The development is being undertaken by Tropicana Enterprises, an investment syndicate that includes Charter Property, Churchill Capital, Prendiville Group, and Broome International Airport.

Leading resort builder Rapley Wilkinson was awarded the Stage 1 construction contract following extensive negotiations.

Tropicana Enterprises plans to develop a further two stages comprising an additional 88 apartments plus swimming pool.

Rapley Wilkinson has constructed most of Broome's most successful resorts including Cable Beach Club, Rendezvous Sanctuary Cable Beach, The Frangipani, Bali Hai, Kimberley Klub, Habitat Beach Resort, and Broome Beach Resort.

The company was also responsible for construction of the landmark Seashells Resort at Mandurah Ocean Marina and is developing a chain of family-oriented coastal resorts in the south west under the 'Footprints' brand.

Rapley Wilkinson managing director, Alan Thomas, said the Tropicana contract illustrated the direction being taken by the tourism industry to cater to a market demanding higher quality facilities.

Architect for the development, Bruce Robinson, said care had been taken to provide a quality environment within the accommodation units and the grounds to satisfy both local and overseas visitors.

He described the design as being respectful to the Broome architectural style whilst including a level of contemporary architecture in keeping with resort developments in Broome and in other states of Australia.

"The back-to-back arrangement of accommodation clusters enables some units to enjoy elevated views of the ocean while the balance enjoy an introverted view to landscaped gardens around swimming pools supporting a resort ambience," he added.