The History of the Waterfront

PROJECT INFORMATION
The History of the Waterfront
The concept of rejuvenating Albany’s waterfront and capturing the vibrancy of its early days has been circulating
for almost 25 years.
In the early 1900s, the Albany
foreshore was a hub of activity and
served as the town’s commercial
and recreational centre. Commercial
fishing, the jetty and baths, tearooms,
sailing and other harbour activities
gave the foreshore a lively atmosphere
that was distinctly Albany.
The development of the port and
the construction of the railway both
isolated the waterfront and reduced
its function and status. The foreshore
was expanded in the 1950s through
the placement of dredge spoil from
the port.
Plans to transform the waterfront back
to a vibrant and cosmopolitan precinct
originated through a group of locals
keen to revamp the area, stimulate
the economy and preserve the town’s
maritime heritage. The communitybased Frederickstown Committee
was born in the early 1980s, with
big plans for the underutilised land
along the foreshore.
and marina precincts and facilities.
However, due to concern regarding
impacts on port access in the late
1990s, the project was delayed.
From 1998 an amended plan to
improve port access was proposed.
With the inaugural City of Albany
election the project was again delayed.
In 2002, the State Government
allocated $13.7 million to the GSDC
who then led consideration of an
alternative plan. A working group
was formed that involved the
Department of Planning and
Infrastructure (Maritime) and the
City of Albany, and marine based
plan was subsequently prepared
and approved by the City of Albany.
Following a visit to a number of
successful waterfront projects
overseas, Alannah MacTiernan
MLA, the Minister for Planning and
Infrastructure, sought and obtained
agreement for stakeholders to
consider a new concept which placed
more emphasis on generating a busy,
bustling waterfront precinct. Plans
for the current development began
in late 2004, when LandCorp was
reintroduced to the project at the
request of the Minister. Since then, LandCorp has sought
to ensure that the project reflects
the needs of local residents and
businesses, taking on community
concerns at each stage of the
development whilst simultaneously
addressing economic and
environmental issues.
In 2005, local member Peter
Watson MLA suggested the Albany
Entertainment Centre could become
part of the waterfront. After
discussions with the community
and stakeholders the City of Albany
then made the decision to include it.
From 1989 to 1993, the Great
Southern Development Commission
(GSDC) and the Town of Albany
undertook several projects, including
the removal of the railway yard and
the Princess Royal Drive realignment,
to facilitate future development.
In 1996, LandCorp received approval
to develop commercial, residential
Albany’s deep water jetty bustles with activity in 1897. This image was provided to the Albany History Collection
(Albany Public Library) by Gwen Sewell.
A new Waterfron
Following much planning and
community comment the
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Waterfront at Albany is now
set to become one of the most
significant development projects
in the town’s long history.
The development of the waterfront will
transform the way Albany interacts with the
sea, introducing a wealth of entertainment,
recreation and commercial features to bring
the community back to the waterfront.
Here you’ll be able to enjoy the sweeping
views of one of the world’s most striking
natural harbours, which is only a short stroll
from the city centre to the foreshore. You’ll
also be able to take in a show at the new
entertainment centre, relax with a coffee in
one of the cafés along the water’s edge or
dine in a restaurant overlooking the water.
The development will include five
distinct precincts:
Harbour Precinct
The Harbour precinct is focused
on a safer, deeper boat harbour
for charter, commercial fishing and private
vessels. About 74 boat pens will be built in
the first stage with the capacity to expand.
There’ll be a fishing industry hardstand to
accommodate existing industry, along with
a tug harbour for servicing the port.
Recreational fishermen will also be catered
for, with a boat trailer hardstand and
recreational boat launching ramps.
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Commercial Precinct
The Commercial Precinct will provide
opportunities for facilities like fish markets to
deliver the freshest ocean catch, along with a range of
dining and eating options from restaurants to cafés,
juice bars and take-away food.
Shopping and leisure retailers will bring wide choice,
from buying the latest board shorts to booking a
whale-watching cruise.
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5
ont for Albany
Legend
9
1
Commercial and Retail
6
2
Albany Entertainment
Centre
Maritime Commercial
and Retail
7
Duyfken Workshop
3
Hotel and Function
rooms
8
Retail (Café,
Restaurants, Shops)
4
Short stay/Serviced
Apartments
9
5
8
Commercial and
Retail Sites
9
Fishing Platform
10
Concession Offices
11
Pedestrian Bridge
Jetty Precinct
8
10
4
3
1
2
The Jetty Precinct will see Albany’s
existing jetty reinvigorated, with
new fishing platforms and linked to a new
promenade, which will provide improved
public access to the picturesque new
waterfront.
Two retail outlet sites have also been
planned for this precinct. They could
potentially become cafes, restaurants or
shops on the water’s edge.
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Entertainment Precinct
Accommodation Precinct
The Accommodation Precinct includes a new
hotel for Albany complete with restaurant,
bar and conference and function facilities.
There will also be waterfront short-stay serviced
apartments to provide an alternative to the hotel.
The heart of the Entertainment
Precinct will be the new Albany
Entertainment Centre on the waterfront.
The centre will provide a much-needed
facility in the city and will help attract a
variety of entertainment options.
This precinct includes the new pedestrian
bridge connecting Albany’s central business
district to the waterfront and nearby
community facilities at ANZAC Peace
Park. The bridge also provides access to
the Albany Visitor Centre and the start of
the Bibbulmun Track.
The Planning Process
The History of the Waterfront
1900 – A
lbany foreshore was a
commercial and recreational
hub. Development of the port.
1950 – Foreshore was expanded.
1980 – B
ig plans made for underutilised
land along foreshore.
1989 – Great Southern Development
Commission and Town of
Albany undertook several
foreshore enhancements.
The Concept Plan
1996 – L andCorp received approval
to develop commercial,
residential and marina
precinct facilities.
Project delayed.
1998 – LandCorp proposed amended
plan to improve port access.
Inaugural City of Albany
election – project delayed.
City of Albany prepared and
approved an alternative
marina based plan following
extensive community input.
2003 – GSDC prepared alternative marina
based plan following extensive
community input.
2004 – LandCorp reintroduced
to project.
Oct – Nov – Public comment
period on concept plan.
16 Nov – Concept plan
approved by City of Albany.
Plan amended in repsonse
to comments made by Peer
Review Group.
2006 – Formation of the
stakeholder and Community
Reference Groups.
The Structure Plan
2006 – M
arch – The structure
plan was released for
public comment.
April – Bridge design
approved by City of Albany.
May – Structure plan adopted.
The Precinct Plans
2006 – J une – July – Precinct plans/
design guidelines advertised
for public comment.
Sept – Precinct plans/design
guidelines adopted by City
of Albany.
Throughout the planning of The
Waterfront at Albany project,
LandCorp has liaised closely with the
local community and stakeholders
to create a waterfront development
that will be enjoyed by both Albany
residents and visitors for generations
to come.
While the project dates back to
the 1980s, plans for the current
proposal began in 2004, when
LandCorp was introduced to the
project at the request of Planning
and Infrastructure Minister Alannah
MacTiernan.
The concept plan
The concept plan was compiled by a
variety of experts in their respective
fields and a range of technical work
was completed on the site. This
included a geotechnical study of
the existing land, an underwater
geophysical survey of the underlying
seabed and environmental analysis.
A website, telephone information line,
dedicated email address and regular
press columns were immediately set
up, giving the community its first
chance to ask questions and provide
feedback.
The resulting concept plan was
advertised for public comment from
14 October to 4 November 2004. On
16 November the concept plan was
approved by the City of Albany.
In response to some issues raised by
local architects, the Albany Design
Forum requested a top-level peer
review of the plan with the Planning
and Infrastructure Minister.
The peer review panel was made up
of renowned experts from various
fields, including Geoffrey London,
Ruth Durack, Louise St John Kennedy
and Bill Burrell.
The plan was subsequently amended
in response to comments raised
by the peer review group. A public
display of the new proposal was
showcased at the Albany Show and
the Stakeholder Reference Group
was born.
In February 2006, the formation of
the Community Reference Group
followed with the community
given the chance to be part of the
group, with members representing
a broad cross-section of the Albany
community. This reference group still
holds regular meetings, providing
important local input into the project
and disseminating information back
to the community.
The structure plan
The project began to move full
steam ahead with the structure plan
released for public comment in the
Albany Advertiser and Great Southern
Weekender during March 2006.
A total of 22 submissions were
received - many after the closing
dates for submissions – however
these were still taken into
consideration by the Council.
The structure plan was adopted on
16 May 2006.
The City of Albany gave approval in
principle to a conceptual design for
the bridge in April 2006.
This conceptual design formed the
basis of the tender documents, which
stipulated that the bridge needed to
be simple, functional and incorporate
the industrial themes of the port. The
design of the bridge also needed to
factor in a requirement from the city
for low maintenance costs.
A contract was awarded for the
detailed design and construction of
the pedestrian bridge in July 2006.
Although not required, the Western
Australian Planning Commission
(WAPC) endorsed the structure plan
in April 2007, paving the way for
subdivision approval, which was
received on 17 July 2007.
Precinct planning and detailed
design guidelines
In June 2006 a draft precinct plan
and design guidelines for the
development were unveiled to the
public for the first time. The precinct
plan and guidelines were based on
the structure plan but provided a
greater level of detail on the proposed
building form and design. The
precinct plan and guidelines were
advertised for public comment in the
Albany Advertiser and Great Southern
Weekender in June and July of 2006,
were displayed at the City of Albany
and the Albany Public Library with
a stand manned at local shopping
centres during the month of July.
148 submissions were received,
most of which reiterated comments
which had already been raised and
considered by the Council in its
consideration and approval of the
structure plan in May 2006. The
precinct plan and guidelines were
adopted by the City of Albany on
19 September 2006.
Other approvals
LandCorp sought formal Albany City
Council approval for the design of the
bridge in late 2006. While this was
not required due to the bridge being
a public work, LandCorp was keen
to ensure the Council’s involvement
and support of the design. The
Council provided formal development
approval in early December 2006.
The structure and precinct
plans boths included the Albany
Entertainment Centre location, with
designs released to the community
in July 2007. These concepts were
endorsed by Council in August 2007.
Building the Waterfront
South West based company APH
Contractors, who have been involved
in projects including Bunbury’s
Marlston Hill, Dunsborough Lakes,
Port Geographe and Oyster Harbour,
were awarded the $3.8 million Stage
1 civil works contract to construct
the waterfront.
Site works for the project are now
well underway, with construction
taking place in two stages .
Stage 1 works
Works in the first stage of
construction include:
• Earthworks for the land west of
the existing town jetty (this
includes the site for the Albany
Entertainment Centre);
• Construction of revetment walls;
• Disposal of site material to a
suitable landfill site;
• Installation of underground
services including water, power,
gas, sewer and drainage; and
For the duration of civil works, the
project area will be fenced off for
public safety. However, large areas
of the foreshore and jetty will still be
accessible and able to be enjoyed by
the community during this phase of
construction.
Stage 1 civil works commenced in
September 2007 and is scheduled
for completion in early 2008.
Stage 2 works
Stage 2 civil works - including
construction of the marina and
widening of Princess Royal Drive will commence in early 2008.
Pedestrian bridge
The first section of the $2.6 million
pedestrian bridge opened to the
public in July 2007. When civil
works are completed in early 2008,
the pedestrian bridge will be fully
opened to allow people to walk
from Stirling Street to the water’s
edge with ease and safety.
Construction timeline
Below outlines the construction
timeline for the development
of The Waterfront at Albany:
July 2007
First section of pedestrian
bridge opened to the public.
September 2007
Commencement of Stage
1 civil works (west of jetty).
Early 2008
Completion of Stage 1
civil works.
Commencement of Stage 2
civil works (east of jetty).
Mid 2008
Construction of
Entertainment Centre
commences.
Late 2008
Developer announced
for Hotel site.
• Landscaping of the public plaza
at the harbour end of the
pedestrian bridge.
2009
Completion of civil works.
Stage 1 marine harbour
pens constructed and
available for public use.
2010/11
STAGE 2
Completion of
Entertainment Centre.
Completion of hotel site.
STAGE 1
The people behind the
Waterfront at Albany
projects, such as Mandurah Ocean
Marina, Exmouth Village Marina,
Geraldton Batavia Coast Marina and
Bunbury Marlston Hill.
Other key agencies involved in
the development:
City of Albany
The City of Albany is responsible for
approving key development plans
and constructing ANZAC Peace Park
– a sprawling open space adjacent
to the entertainment precinct
where families can enjoy the
parkland and admire the sweeping
views of Princess Royal Harbour.
The City will own and operate the
Albany Entertainment Centre once
constructed.
LandCorp is working closely with a
large number of stakeholders to help
reconnect the Albany community
with its waterfront through a welldesigned development.
As the State Government’s property
developer, LandCorp is responsible
for planning, obtaining approvals and
subdivision of the site, including the
construction of the first 74 pens in
the marina and the sale of land
to developers.
LandCorp was invited to manage the
project because of their experience
and expertise in the successful
development of similar complex
Department of Housing and Works
The Department of Housing and
Works is charged with the design
and construction of the Albany
Entertainment Centre, along with all
community consultation surrounding
this centre. It has worked closely with
the City of Albany to achieve this.
Great Southern Development
Commission / Department for
Planning and Infrastructure
The Great Southern Development
Commission has been a strong
supporter of the project, involved
particularly in the planning of the
marina. The Department for
Planning and Infrastructure will
own and manage the marina once
it is complete.
Community Reference Group
The Albany Waterfront Community
Reference Group (CRG) plays an
important role by ensuring the
community’s concerns, preferences
and local knowledge are taken into
account during the planning and
development of the waterfront. The
CRG includes a broad cross-section
of the community.
Stakeholder Reference Group
The Albany Waterfront Stakeholder
Reference Group (SRG) provides
invaluable input and expertise into
the project plans and includes
representatives from LandCorp, Main
Roads, Albany Port Authority, City of
Albany, the Department for Planning
and Infrastructure and the Great
Southern Development Commission.
Through regular project meetings
for each of the agencies listed it has
ensured a collaborative approach to
the waterfront proposal, ensuring the
strengths of each agency can help
deliver an outstanding outcome for
the people of Albany and the Great
Southern region.
The importance of sustainability:
A sustainable approach to our use of land will strongly shape the future of society. To meet the needs
of both current and future generations, we must consider all the effects of our actions: environmental
protection, social advancement and economic prosperity. As the State Government’s property developer,
LandCorp applies the principles and practices of sustainable development all across Western Australia,
learning more and improving results with each project. LandCorp is committed to minimising
our ecological impact and enhancing the community’s quality of life.
LandCorp
Level 3 Wesfarmers House, 40 The Esplanade, Perth, Western Australia 6000
Postal Address Locked Bag 5, Perth Business Centre, Western Australia 6849 T (08) 9482 7499 F (08) 9481 0861
www.landcorp.com.au
This brochure is published by LandCorp to provide information on the Albany Waterfront project. The information contained in this brochure is in
good faith, however neither LandCorp nor any of its directors, agents or employees give any warranty of accuracy nor accepts any liability as result of a
reliance upon the information, advice, statement or option contained in this brochure. This disclaimer is subject to any contrary legislative provisions.
Information current as at 1 October 2007.
MF LALB0055 10/07
Learn more about The Waterfront at Albany by visiting www.albanywaterfront.com.au
or call the project information line on 1300 730 245.