An Albany marina retail and hospitality development to be built by Great Southern Seafoods is close to getting the green light having overcome project hurdles and construction cost hikes.
The Soumelidis family put their hands up to build a seafood-focused waterfront destination in 2020 when expressions of interest were called for the Albany waterfront site east of the Hilton Hotel.
Plans were revealed soon after for a $1.5 million development housing a seafood restaurant and commercial tenancies.
Great Southern Seafoods director Margaret Soumelidis said time delays had pushed the cost up to $5.5 million.
Ms Soumelidis said the company was close to finalising a building contract and technical matters for a boardwalk.
“The hospitality component is now planned as a seafood restaurant incorporating indoor dining, a bar, takeaway facilities and a substantial covered waterfront alfresco area,” she said.
“The aim is to create a destination that takes full advantage of the exceptional harbour position while showcasing seafood and providing another quality hospitality offering for Albany residents and visitors.
“The development will also contain a central commercial tenancy, which is intended to be offered for lease, together with a hairdressing salon at the opposite end of the building.
“The current architectural plans show these uses integrated into one waterfront development, together with service areas and a new public boardwalk running along the harbour side of the building.”
Much of the delay came down to a mid-2023 site assessment by Galt Geotechnics which determined strengthening of the breakwater embankment would be required to support the project.
The Department of Transport completed that work last year.
Great Southern Seafoods has also had to adjust to government policy changes in its primary business of fishing, namely the closure of the West Coast demersal fishery and reductions to catch limits on the south coast.
“This has reinforced the importance of diversification and creating new opportunities for the business into the future,” Ms Soumelidis said.
“Another important component of the project is the boardwalk itself.
“Great Southern Seafoods has been working with the relevant authorities, including the Heritage Council, to identify a material that responds appropriately to the visual character of the waterfront while also being practical, durable and suitable for the marine environment.
“What began in 2020 as an opportunity to create a seafood-focused destination on the Albany waterfront has developed into a substantial long-term investment in Albany and the Great Southern.”
The Great Southern Seafoods venue is one of several developments underway or proposed on the Albany foreshore.
Business News has canvassed these projects for a special publication on business in the Great Southern due out in October.
