Revamped Binalup/Middleton Beach foreshore precinct gets tick of approval from mayor, visitors

Albany residents and visitors have voted with their feet, giving the revamped Binalup/Middleton Beach foreshore a ringing endorsement.

The $9 million redevelopment was officially opened on New Year’s Eve at a ceremony attended by City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington, Albany MP Rebecca Wilson, O’Connor MHR Rick Wilson and Menang Noongar elder Mark Colbung.

Over the first weekend of the new year, the precinct was packed with people taking advantage of the new facilities.

There were children testing out the new playground, games of cricket on freshly laid grass and families enjoying picnics in the sun.

The opening came more than two years after construction started on the first stage of the project — a sea wall and other measures to protect the area from erosion.

Stage two included a carpark expansion, beachfront promenade treatments, playground upgrades, improved public amenities and landscaping.

The precinct also features a mural created by local artist Jhodi Bennett and botanical murals on the public ablution blocks designed by Glenn Hegedus.

The foreshore redevelopment project was funded by the Federal Government, Development WA and the City of Albany.

Mr Wellington said it had made an “iconic location” more attractive to visitors.

“The important addition of the sea wall has ensured that the public foreshore and future private developments like the Duettes and hotel from Development WA are reasonably protected from coastal processes,” he said.

“This project engaged many Albany locals in its construction and has created spaces to develop a heightened sense of community and vibrancy which can be felt all year long.”