Mirvac Ltd has been given the green light by the state government to develop a $100 million hotel and serviced apartment facility in Port Hedland.
Mirvac Ltd has been given the green light by the state government to develop a $100 million hotel and serviced apartment facility in Port Hedland.
The developer beat three other proponents for 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 comprise 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 opened in late 2009.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said there was a chronic lack of hotel space in the town, due to the demand for housing from mining and construction project workers.
She said one hotel had even been bought by a trucking company to house its staff.
“We’ll make sure that in our negotiations with Mirvac, that this remains genuinely a hotel for all,” she said
“By putting a new [housing] product into the market, that will help cater to that demand. At the same time it is providing an opportunity for new, more modern housing stock.”
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.
The site is located in an area earmarked for significant future redevelopment, with opportunities being investigated for a marina development directly to the north of the site.
Further development is anticipated west of the site, following the relocation of the hospital in 2010-11.
She said the development would deliver a first-class recreational venue for the Port Hedland community overlooking the water, in addition to quality function facilities.
Mirvac WA chief executive Evan Campbell said the hotel and residential development would act as a catalyst for future developments.
Mr Campbell said the company had also signed a memorandum of understanding with TAFE to train local youth to work in the hotel.
“We facilitated this during the tender process, and we will really rely on these workers,” he said.
The company is planning to build between 15 and 20 dormitory-style units to help house the hotel staff.
