WAPC approves Albany foreshore development plans

The Western Australian Planning Commission has approved plans for the development of a hotel and function centre, cafes, restaurants and shops along Albany's foreshore in a development project worth over $27 million.

The development will be connected to Albany's lower York Street tourist precinct and central tourist precinct by a pedestrian bridge, which will also connect to a park to be built by the City of Albany.

The man feature of the development, to be constructed by the Department of Housing and Works, will be the construction of the Albany Entertainment Centre, set to cost the State Government $37.5 million, along with $2.2 million in building and land donated by the City council.

Marina facilities with 74 boat pens will also be constructed in the first stage of the project, as well as a harbour for charter, fishing and private vessels.

Works on the project are expected to commence in May this year, with the bridge to be completed in June. The second stage of the project is expected to be fully completed by 2010 or 2011.

Additional information on the project, including an artist's impression of the finished facility, can be found HERE.

The full text of an announcement from the office of Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan is pasted below

Stage 1 site works will start on Albany's waterfront project next month after the Western Australian Planning Commission today supported the structure plan for the development.

The structure plan provides a framework to guide the future development of the area, outlining broad infrastructure and land uses.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the approval of the structure plan was now complete, which is a significant milestone for the long awaited project.

"This is great news for the Albany community who have waited more than 20 years for this project to get under way," Ms MacTiernan said.

"The waterfront project promises to give new life to the Albany foreshore, bringing it in line with the waterfront lifestyles enjoyed at other tourism hotspots, such as Mandurah and Exmouth."

LandCorp will spend more than $27.8 million to develop a hub of cultural and leisure activities at the waterfront for visitors and Albany community alike.

The development is estimated to provide a significant boost for the region, generating $60 million in private investment and up to $400 million in economic activity to 2020.

It will also create 115 jobs during construction and more than 800 permanent jobs once complete.

The Minister said the Carpenter Government was making decisions for the future and working to ensure the strong economy delivered jobs and opportunities for all Western Australians.

The waterfront development is proposed to include a hotel and function centre, cafes, restaurants and shops, in addition to a landscaped park to be known as ANZAC Peace Park.

The City of Albany, in conjunction with Department of Housing and Works, is managing the construction of the 620-seat Albany Entertainment Centre for the foreshore.

A secure boat harbour will also be constructed as part of the project providing anchorage for fishing and charter vessels, as well as a 74-pen marina for private vessels.

Local member Peter Watson MLA welcomed the approval, saying the development would be a major achievement for the Albany community.

"This is a major undertaking for Albany that will provide significant environmental, community and economic benefits not just to local residents, but to the wider region," Mr Watson said.

The pedestrian bridge linking Albany's central business district and the lower York Street tourist precinct to the waterfront is on track for completion in June.

Stage 1 site works for the waterfront project will focus on the western side of the jetty comprising civil works to install services, construction of a seawall and landscaping and the widening of Princess Royal Drive from York Street to the port.

Stage 2 civil works are expected to start in September this year, with the completion of the land development and marina works scheduled for 2010.