Waterfront making moves

Permanent accommodation could soon be a fixed feature of the Albany waterfront plan in a bid to promote development.

Permanent residential living was prohibited in the precinct after an agreement was signed by the City of Albany and the State Government in 2007. However, doubts have been cast over the viability of the accommodation development with the site still vacant.

Now, on behalf of the landholders, proponent Harley Dykstra has proposed several modifications to Lot 3 of the development to encourage further investment in the wider waterfront area.

The Lot 3 hotel site on the waterfront was purchased by prominent local businessman Paul Lionetti in mid-2016 for $1.5 million with conditions the construction of a hotel begin within three years

These changes include introducing permanent accommodation as an optional land use, revising the setback to Princess Royal Drive from 25m to 19m, and permitting basement parking. However, according to the plans, short-stay accommodation will remain the primary land use.

“The proposed changes will serve as a catalyst to promote further development within the Albany waterfront area, and contribute towards providing the critical mass required to support the year round operation of other land uses such as shops, offices and restaurants,” the report states.

“Due to the seasonal nature of tourism in Albany, it is necessary to create a year-round active space to support other mixed uses such as business and retail that are available to tourists and the wider community throughout the year.”

Public comment on the modifications closes April 12.

Plans detailing the changes will be available at the City of Albany North Road office, or on the City of Albany website.