Transformation starts at City Beach

Plans for a hospitality precinct at City Beach are taking shape, with the Town of Cambridge appointing Georgiou Group to carry out construction works on the $18 million redevelopment.

The Town of Cambridge said it had awarded a $13 million contract to Georgiou for the entirety of building works associated with the project.

The redevelopment will feature a new surf club, three restaurants, new roads, recreational areas, footpaths and landscaping, all of which will be constructed by Georgiou.

Town of Cambridge Mayor Simon Withers told Business News the redevelopment would transform City Beach from a precinct like something from the 1960s to arguably the best coastal area in Perth.

“It will provide amenities that have been sorely lacking from City Beach,” Mr Withers said.

“From a personal point of view, no-one will ever again ask me ‘where’s our Blue Duck?’

“Ultimately, I hope that we will build a string of restaurants along the beachfront from City Beach to the cafe at Floreat Beach, where there is ample parking, so people can stroll along the coastal strip and choose a place to eat.”

The total project budget is $17.7 million, including $6.85 million for the surf club.

The Town of Cambridge is contributing $15.5 million towards the development, while the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club will pitch in $250,000.

The balance of $1.95 million is being funded from state government grants.

Work on the new facilities will commence in June, with a scheduled completion of mid-2015.

Contracting group Yarnell Civil was recently awarded an $800,000 contract for construction of a new seawall at City Beach to shield the redevelopment area from storm surges and any rise in sea level.

Work on the seawall is expected to be complete by July, while repairs to the groyne should be finished by mid-August.

The council gave the green light to the proposal, which has been in the works for more than two years, in December last year.

Architecture firm Christou Design Group designed the redevelopment.

Leases for two of the restaurants have already been awarded, with the largest eatery to be run by Marcel and Fiona Slobe, who are members of well-known Perth hospitality stalwarts, the Gastevich family.

The family has 50 years of experience in Perth hospitality circles, including the Bailey Bar and Bistro in Joondalup, the Royal Bar and Bistro in East Perth, the Ess Bar in Subiaco, and the Currumbine Bar and Bistro.

The Town of Cambridge said the Slobes were aiming to create an up-market, resort-style establishment, which would open seven days a week for breakfast lunch and dinner.

The other lease has been awarded to husband-and-wife team Eleanor and Fabio Hupfer, who have worked in the hospitality sector, both in WA and overseas, for more than 30 years.

Venues operated by the Hupfers in WA include Hubbles Yard Café in East Fremantle and the Metrio & Co Café in North Perth.

Mr and Mrs Hupfer are planning a casual cafe at the 400 square metre establishment.

An expressions of interest campaign for the third restaurant lease closed earlier this month, with the Town of Cambridge reporting strong interest shown from prospective operators.

The lease will be awarded later this year.