The History of the Waterfront

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1 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. 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 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. Albany s deep water jetty bustles with activity in This image was provided to the Albany History Collection (Albany Public Library) by Gwen Sewell.

2 A new Waterfron Following much planning and community comment the Waterfront at Albany is now set to become one of the most significant development projects in the town s long history. 9 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. 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.

3 t for Albany Legend Commercial and Retail Albany Entertainment Centre Hotel and Function rooms Short stay/serviced Apartments Commercial and Retail Sites Maritime Commercial and Retail Duyfken Workshop Retail (Café, Restaurants, Shops) Fishing Platform Concession Offices Pedestrian Bridge Jetty Precinct 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. 11 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.

4 The Planning Process The History of the Waterfront 1900 Albany foreshore was a commercial and recreational hub. Development of the port Foreshore was expanded Big plans made for underutilised land along foreshore Great Southern Development Commission and Town of Albany undertook several foreshore enhancements. The Concept Plan 1996 LandCorp received approval to develop commercial, residential and marina precinct facilities. Project delayed 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 GSDC prepared alternative marina based plan following extensive community input 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 Formation of the stakeholder and Community Reference Groups. The Structure Plan 2006 March The structure plan was released for public comment. April Bridge design approved by City of Albany. May Structure plan adopted. The Precinct Plans 2006 June 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 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 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 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 The City of Albany gave approval in principle to a conceptual design for the bridge in April 2006.

5 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 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 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 The precinct plan and guidelines were adopted by the City of Albany on 19 September Other approvals LandCorp sought formal Albany City Council approval for the design of the bridge in late 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 The structure and precinct plans boths included the Albany Entertainment Centre location, with designs released to the community in July These concepts were endorsed by Council in August 2007.

6 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 Landscaping of the public plaza at the harbour end of the pedestrian bridge. STAGE 2 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 Stage 2 works Stage 2 civil works - including construction of the marina and widening of Princess Royal Drive - will commence in early Pedestrian bridge The first section of the $2.6 million pedestrian bridge opened to the public in July 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 Completion of civil works. Stage 1 marine harbour pens constructed and available for public use. 2010/11 Completion of Entertainment Centre. Completion of hotel site. STAGE 1

7 The people behind the Waterfront at Albany 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 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. 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.

8 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) F (08) 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 MF LALB /07 Learn more about The Waterfront at Albany by visiting or call the project information line on