WAPC approves Albany foreshore development

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 more than $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 main 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. Work on the project is expected to commence in May this year, with the bridge to be completed in June. It’s planned for the second stage of the project to be fully completed by 2010 or 2011. - Andrew Hobbs