Major City Projects

Albany has many exciting projects either in the planning stage, under way or recently completed. Unprecedented investment is occurring in Albany in both the private and public sectors. Some examples of projects:

• Albany Waterfront redevelopment (http://www.albanywaterfront.com.au/)
• Albany Entertainment Centre
• Project Plaza (a new resort to replace the former Esplanade Hotel at Middleton Beach)
• Major upgrades of Water Corporation infrastructure
• Plantation timber processing (http://www.lignor.com.au/)
• Verve Energy Grasmere Wind Farm (http://www.verveenergy.com.au/)
• Southdown Magnetite Project (www.grangeresources.com.au)
• Albany Regional Hospital redevelopment
• Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre redevelopment

One of the world's most stunning natural harbours will soon be complemented by a world-class waterfront redevelopment. The City of Albany has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the State Government and Landcorp to redevelop the City's foreshore. The project will incorporate a new entertainment centre, an integrated boat harbour, short-stay tourism accommodation, park area themed around the Anzac story, cafes and retail outlets.

The Albany Waterfront project will deliver significant environmental, community and economic benefits, including long-term employment and business opportunities. It will reconnect the community with the coast, linking the town centre with the magnificent setting of Princess Royal Harbour.

More than $72 million of State Government funding has so far been committed to the project, which will stimulate significant private sector investment. Landcorp is managing the project in a partnership arrangement with the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, City of Albany and the Great Southern Development Commission.

A new $70 million Entertainment Centre will be the centrepiece of the Albany Waterfront redevelopment. The centre will be a landmark building overlooking Princess Royal Harbour and will have an auditorium to seat 620 people, a proscenium arch/fly tower and multi-function community area for conference breakout and community uses. The centre will be designed to integrate with a proposed adjoining hotel to be developed by the private sector.

The City of Albany will contribute $1.2m to the project plus any grants from the Australian Government.

The Department of Housing and Works is managing construction of the project on behalf of the Minister for Works. Once the centre is complete, in 2010, the City of Albany will own and operate the venue.

Anzac Peace Park is now taking shape at the western end of the Albany Waterfront. The Peace Park honours Australian troops and recognises Albany's role in the Anzac legend.

The Anzac Peace Park Concept Plan was prepared by Syrinx Environmental and has been integrated into the adjoining waterfront development being managed by Landcorp.

The landscaped park will honour Albany as the departure point for 30,000 Australian and New Zealand troops heading to World War I and as the site of Australia's first official Anzac Day dawn service.

Anzac Peace Park will be available for the 2009 Anzac Day service.

An Environmental Management Plan and an Environmental Compliance Report for the Peace Park are available through the links below.

A major $14.9 million redevelopment of the centre was completed in May 2008 and is now open to the public. The upgraded centre includes a new leisure pool with beach entry, rapid river ride, in-pool spa and four 25m lanes for the swim school to complement the existing 25m lap pool. The new pool hall also has a water slide with its own splash pool, main spa, steam room and tots' pool with pool toys. New change rooms, toilets and shower facilities, including family change areas are included in the development and there is a pool-side cafe.

Apart from the aquatic features, the upgrade includes a child minding facility, administration offices, bright and welcoming reception, gym and an aerobics and function hall.