Development plan takes step forward

Development at the old Esplanade Hotel site is a step closer after the State Government granted consent to advertise an improvement plan for the neglected area this week.

Planning Minister John Day gave consent for the WA Planning Commission to advertise the draft Middleton Beach Activity Centre Improvement Plan for public comment.

The Government is in “ongoing” negotiations with Singaporean owners CS Partners to buy the land but the plan gives the government agency to acquire the site if negotiations cannot be reached.

One of the objectives of the improvement plan is to transform the old Esplanade site into an “active beachfront” potentially featuring local and tourist facilities, restaurants, cafes, shops, holiday and short-stay accommodation.

“The Middleton Beach Activity Centre Improvement Plan is another step in the potential acquisition of the site by the State Government,” Mr Day said.

“The site has been vacant since 2007 and like the community of Albany, the Government recognises that this is too long.”

Albany City Mayor Dennis Wellington said while development in the area was still a way away, this was an important step.

“The sandpit at Middleton Beach has been a thorn in everyone’s side since 2007,” he said.

Big 4 Middleton Beach Holiday Park co-owner Trish Shuttleworth, whose business is near the site, said it was great to see something happening in relation to the site.

“It will add a bit of life and vibrancy into the area and bring people — even the surf club being open for weddings has brought more people,” she said.

“When the Esplanade was knocked down it was a big loss to the area.”

Mr Day also approved the Albany Local Planning Scheme which combines the two plans being used by the City since the amalgamation of the Town of Albany and the Shire in 1998.

Mr Wellington said once the local plan scheme had been gazetted, he expected the City would make an amendment in relation to the Middleton Beach Activity Centre Improvement Plan.