Architects appointed for redevelopment of historic port precinct in WA

Plans to rework the Port of Albany historic pilot cottages right into a neighborhood precinct have progressed additional, with H and H Architects awarded the contract for detailed design.

Because the oldest port in Western Australia, the Port of Albany has a wealthy historical past. The port’s pilot cottages served as lodging for marine officers, who guided vessels out and in of Princess Royal Harbour from as early as 1853 till 1936. The historic significance of those cottages was acknowledged once they had been added to the WA State Register of Heritage Locations in 2002.

In Could 2024, the WA authorities pledged $8.3 million to redeveloping the historic Port of Albany Pilot Station and its cottages right into a neighborhood precinct. On the time of the announcement, the state authorities asserted that the transformation would create “a significant attraction for vacationers and guests, whereas additionally activating new areas for the neighborhood to take pleasure in.”

Following a aggressive tender course of, H and H Architects had been appointed to progress the mission ahead from idea to detailed design. As acknowledged in a WA authorities communique, the agency was chosen for its confirmed experience in managing heritage tasks all through the state, together with a number of in Albany.

The Member for Albany Rebecca Stephens echoed these sentiments, saying that the follow “has an amazing popularity for heritage work throughout quite a lot of WA tasks.”

Stephens added, “When restored, the pilot cottages will supply a uncommon perception to what it was prefer to reside and work in these buildings between 1853 to 1936.”

Early ideas of the Port of Albany pilot station precinct characteristic an interpretive centre, a small cafe, port-themed play areas, parking and open areas, all linked to the present Port to Level path. Moreover, the precinct is ready to characteristic an data centre for cultural and eco-tourism.

The architects will work with Southern Ports – an authority that oversees administration of three ports: Albany, Bunbury and Esperance – to develop the design.

WA Ports Minister David Michael stated the Albany Pilot Station precinct deserves to be on present. “The Port of Albany is intrinsically linked to WA’s wealthy historical past as our first and oldest port, so I feel everybody needs to be excited to see this web site remodeled,” stated Michael.

The detailed design is predicted to be finalised in late 2025.