Government steps in at Middleton Beach

• State Government finalises agreement to purchase vacant former Esplanade Hotel site in Albany

• Middleton Beach site could potentially include retail, function centre and residential uses 

The State Government has reached agreement to purchase the former Esplanade Hotel site at Albany's Middleton Beach.

Premier Colin Barnett said the Government would now work with the City of Albany and the community to ensure the site - which had been vacant and neglected for several years - would again become a vibrant and useful part of the Middleton Beach precinct.

"The former Esplanade Hotel occupied a special place in the hearts of the people of Albany, and it has caused great dismay that this prime waterfront site has been vacant for so long," Mr Barnett said.

"The empty lot has been a blight on what is one of the most beautiful beachside locations in the State.

"I am very pleased the Government has been able to fulfil its promise to the people of Albany to involve itself in this site and will now oversee its redevelopment.  Ideally we will see a mixture of retail, commercial and residential opportunities here."

The $7 million purchase of the Middleton Beach site was made possible with $3.3 million from the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.

Regional Development and Lands Minister Terry Redman said an additional $1.5 million of Royalties for Regions funding had also been set aside to improve the potential of the site.

"To ensure we attract the right levels of interest from the private sector, we have provided LandCorp with up to $1.5 million to further improve the site through road realignment and subsequent landscaping," he said.

Mr Redman said LandCorp had acted on behalf of the State Government to negotiate and complete the purchase of this land.

"LandCorp has done a fantastic job in negotiating this agreement with the owners, which will see the Esplanade Hotel site restored to its rightful place at the heart of the social life of Albany," he said.

       Fact File

• Lot 8888 Flinders Parade, Middleton Beach, Albany was independently assessed at a value of $7 million

• Registrations of interest will be sought to develop the site in accordance with the Improvement Plan

• Interested developers can visit http://www.landcorp.com.au for further information

Premier's office - 6552 5000

Regional Development and Lands Minister's office - 6552 6700