Draft plan for Esplanade Hotel site

LandCorp has published a draft concept plan for the old Esplanade Hotel site at Middleton Beach for developer and community comment.

The draft plan incorporates key themes raised during five months of community and stakeholder consultations by LandCorp after the State Government purchased the prime land for $7 million late last year.

Key themes that arose during the consultation period included the need for adaptable, family-friendly spaces, a realignment of Flinders Parade for better access to the foreshore, and on and off-street parking.

LandCorp chief executive Frank Marra said the draft plan was compiled with the City of Albany, Great Southern Development Commission, Department of Planning and Department of Lands.

"The draft plan incorporates feedback from the local community who took an active role in contributing their thoughts and ideas about how they would like to see the site developed," he said.

"The draft plan also outlines proposed height expectations for the built form after respondents expressed preference for lower-rise buildings within much of the site, with any potential requirement for higher-rise to be located nearer to the Mt Adelaide side of the development area, minimising impacts on the neighbouring community."

Mr Marra said a number of technical studies were being completed to determine the capability of the site in relation to the draft concept plan.

"These studies include a geotechnical investigation of below-ground conditions, a coastal stability investigation, a drainage management plan and a traffic management study," he said.

The results of the study as well as final comments from developers and the community will be taken into consideration before the concept plan is finalised.

Mr Marra said the next step would be to prepare a local planning scheme amendment and structure plan, which he expected to be ready for consideration by the City of Albany before the end of this year.

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the City was pleased to see progress being made on the project and looked forward to working more with LandCorp.