Albany Waterfront Development
$2.4million footbridge contract marks start of Albany Waterfront project
See the Minister's full media statement 11/7/06
A $2.4million contract has been awarded for the designing and construction of a footbridge connecting Albany's central business district with the lower York Street tourist precinct.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the successful tenderer was a joint venture between Western Australian companies Bocol Constructions and BG&E Consulting Engineers.
"The pedestrian bridge is the first stage of the much-anticipated Albany Waterfront project," Ms MacTiernan said.
"It will be fabricated in the company workshops and erected on site early in 2007."
Albany MLA Peter Watson said the contract marked the beginning of an exciting time for the city.
"The new bridge will be an attractive link between the CBD and a lively waterfront which includes an entertainment centre, an hotel, function rooms, cafes and restaurants located adjacent to a new marina," Mr Watson said.
Background
There have been a number of concepts over the years for the development of the Albany waterfront adjacent to the Port.
Plans for the foreshore have recently been reviewed in light of a review of international changes in the way that port and harbour planning is embracing the community, not keeping it at arms length.
The community should have access to port and harbour activities to enjoy the colour, movement and excitement that they generate.
An excellent example of this approach can be seen in Cape Town, South Africa – a city that has much in common with Albany in terms of geographic location, landscape and history.
In August 2004, a sketch concept was presented to Albany as a means of capturing the learnings from Capetown and other overseas waterfront projects.
Following the presentation, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure undertook to have the plan assessed ("validated") from a marine engineering perspective – to make sure that it actually could work. This has been undertaken together with a cost check of both options.
The revised plan has the potential for staged development as demand grows. The vision of the revised plan is "to create a world class waterfront development which integrates port activities, the town centre and the spectacular natural environment of Albany".
The plan contains:
- a harbour village for commercial and short stay tourist accommodation
- a small boat harbour with wave protection
- retention of Town Jetty as the spine of the development
- integration of activities back into Albany Town Centre via a footbridge
- 21,000 sq m of commercial/tourist development
- retention of the existing groyne
- seven pens adjacent to the tourist precinct for charter boats
- 36 pens for 10-15 m recreational boats
- a small boat launching ramp and support facilities
- a wharf and 10 pens for the fishing industry
- a fishing industry precinct
- a port use precinct
Related information
For further information on Albany waterfront development issues, you can visit The Albany Waterfront website, send an email or telephone the Department for Planning and Infrastructure – Mark Brownell, 9216 8817.
