5 April 2007

The Western Australian Planning Commission has received legal advice that under the Albany planning scheme the WAPC is not required to approve the waterfront structure plan.

Accordingly the WAPC finalised its assessment of the Albany proposals by preparing advice on the structure plan for the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure.

The WAPC supports the Albany waterfront structure plan and considers that the proposal will make a very positive contribution to the city.  The new project, whilst part of the waterfront precinct, will also have a distinct identity and will create a sense of place in its own right.

The WAPC has taken careful note of the submissions and comments from members of the community, stakeholders and the Heritage Council of WA and believes the concerns mainly relate to development west of the jetty.

It is desirable that the proposals contribute to the outstanding townscape of Albany and form well designed new elements in the harbour landscape.  This may require modifications to the detailed configuration of the structures.

The WAPC does not expect the structures on the waterfront to be small and insignificant.  For the new waterfront to contribute to Albany’s attractions and facilities it will need to reach a critical mass in scale and activity.  The boat harbour, the entertainment centre, the hotel and other buildings should be designed as striking landmarks for the city.  The new footbridge is likely to be a popular viewing platform for views both to the waterfront and to Stirling Terrace.
 
The WAPC recognises that this is consistent with the memorandum of understanding between the State Government and the City of Albany, which envisages a lively waterfront with major facilities to make the most of the city’s setting and to restore the significance of the historic city centre.  This will require high quality site planning, urban design and architecture.

The WAPC identified important steps in the implementation of the plan.

· The processes of peer review and community consultation should continue intensively as the site planning, urban design and building design work is continued and refined.

· The digital simulation of the site, prepared for the WAPC’s assessment processes, should be further developed and actively used to assist both in design work and in consultation with stakeholders and the public.

· Specifically, sightlines to and from the water, the wharf and Stirling Terrace should be accurately defined so that the form and orientation of structures can be assessed and optimised through modifying angles, envelopes and surfaces.

· In particular, the design of the spaces and structures to the west of the entertainment centre should ensure that their multiple purposes – viability, activity, continuity, shelter, scale – are reconciled with critical views into and beyond the waterfront.

ends

Text may be used as quotes attributed to Mr Jeremy Dawkins, Chairman, Western Australian Planning Commission

Contact: Natasha Farrell 9264 7518/0408 955 604