The State Government's Pilbara Cities initiative continues to deliver results with the opening of Pelago West - the first high-rise apartment complex in Karratha.
Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls applauded development company Finbar Group Limited for being an early champion of the Pilbara Cities vision.
"Through LandCorp we released the land less than a month after the launch of Pilbara Cities in November 2009 and there were many detractors who couldn't see past the complexities associated with building in the remote Pilbara region," Mr Grylls said.
"From the beginning, Finbar recognised the opportunities available in the Pilbara and they took the decision to take on the challenge of constructing the first high-rise building in the region.
"Today we are seeing the tangible results of that partnership, and Pelago West now stands proudly in the heart of Karratha's city centre to demonstrate what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together."
With a total value of $125million, the 10-storey complex features 114 one, two and three-bedroom luxurious apartments, a gymnasium, a 25m swimming pool, common entertaining and lounge areas, a children's playground, undercover parking and retail shops.
The Minister said residents now had a wider range of accommodation styles to choose from as Karratha grows from a small regional town to a major regional city.
"Karratha is rapidly growing and this project relieves pressure on housing and paves the way for future developments in the Pilbara," he said.
Located on Warambie Road, apartments at Pelago West have sold out off the plans to local residents and major corporations including Monadelphous and Rio Tinto, and the Department of Housing.
Scheduled for completion in 2014, Stage Two - known as Pelago East - is currently under construction and will feature 178 apartments.
Fact File
Total value of $125million
Construction of Pelago West occurred over 13 months
Includes 1,000sqm of commercial space with about 500sqm already leased to a cafe, wine bar and lawyers' offices
Minister's office - 6552 5500
