Councillors declare development of Albany Woolstores Precinct an opportunity not to be missed

Albany councillors have described the development of the Albany Woolstores precinct as an “opportunity of a lifetime” to achieve an “A-grade development” on a secluded site, close to town. Those sentiments were echoed by several councillors during more than 90 minutes of discussion of a draft structure plan for the precinct during Wednesday’s development and infrastructure services committee meeting. Cr Robert Sutton said he had not seen any changes to the site in his lifetime and the structure plan was the start of a process to “potentially get a magnificent set-up”. He said the council’s responsibility is to “look forward 20 to 30 years for our kids”. “This would be the best site for its size and location anywhere in Albany, and I dare say the State,” he said. “We have to give the proponents and owners the absolute best opportunity to make this the best opportunity for Albany. “We want an A-grade development here.” The draft structure plan was submitted by Rowe Group on behalf of the 16.4ha site owner Rural Logistics. It includes plans that would allow for the development of an eight-storey hotel on the waterfront along with mixed residential and retail offerings to establish the former woolstores as a tourism precinct. Cr Malcolm Traill said he was really happy that planning had reached this stage to turn the “derelict site” into something with the potential to become an “A1 tourism precinct”. “Why do people want to come to Albany as a tourism town? Well basically, it’s the environmental aspect and the heritage aspect — they are two of our big, big pluses,” he said. “The site there is secluded, you can’t see anything from there except the beautiful views. “It’s not going to impact people’s views, it’s ripe for development and I’d really like to congratulate all the proponents.” The meeting was a chance for councillors to seek clarity about proposed modifications to the draft before they forward it to the WA Planning Commission for approval at the council’s ordinary meeting on February 27. Mayor Greg Stocks and Cr Mario Lionetti challenged City planning staff on their recommendation to limit the building height to six storeys. Mr Stocks said the development of the “eyesore” site could be “really special” and “an opportunity of a lifetime to get a five-star hotel”. “This is the last site we’ve got a chance to build some really good tourist accommodation outside of Middleton Beach and/or if the Hilton Garden decides to do a second stage,” he said. “In my mind, I’m asking why are we stuck at six? That’s OK when there are residents looking down over the waterfront, but there is no one looking over this.” Cr Mario Lionetti added it was important that the development make it “viable” to build a five-star hotel as “this is our only opportunity to do so”. “This is the position we are in — at six floors, is that going to bring people in to get it done?” he said.