The State Government today announced the Hotel Development Group Albany (HDGA) as the preferred proponent to develop and operate a 4 star hotel on the Albany Waterfront.
Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said the latest Request For Proposals (RFP) process had led to renewed interest among hotel developers, an outcome that had been made possible as a direct result of the Government's steadfast commitment to bring a much-needed hotel to Albany and the Great Southern region.
"When the Albany Waterfront Hotel and short stay accommodation site first went to market two years ago, the response was not good. It was clear the global economic climate had greatly affected potential for hotel development not just in Western Australia, but throughout Australia and the rest of the world," Mr Grylls said.
"Recognising there was, and still is, a critical need for 4 star hotel accommodation to underpin Albany's economic growth, this Government took action.
"Supported by the announcement of new Government incentives for hotel investment towards the end of 2011, and a re-scoping of the Albany Waterfront structure plan to make it more attractive to developers, the site was re-released to the market this year with proponents asked to come to us with their ideas on what it would take for them to build a hotel on the site."
Following the selection of a preferred proponent, the process will now enter an Exclusive Working Period to enable the Government, through LandCorp, to work with HDGA on fine-tuning proposed development requirements before making a final determination on the submission.
The Minister thanked the collaborative efforts of all those involved in helping to bring the Albany Waterfront Hotel a significant step closer to fruition, including the City of Albany,
Great Southern Development Commission, Tourism WA, the Albany Chamber of Commerce and those from the private sector who participated in the Government's hotel development forum in late 2010.
Fact File
The RFP for development of an Albany Waterfront Hotel was launched March 2012
Albany Waterfront Structure Plan includes provision for a 4* hotel and short stay accommodation
The Exclusive Working Period with HDGA will be managed by LandCorp and will run for a minimum 3-4 months
Minister's office - 6552 5500
