A major proposed redevelopment of Rottnest Island’s Lodge site has been conditionally approved.
A consortium led by Place Development was selected as the preferred proponent to redevelop the site in May.
The $40 million proposal includes a range of new accommodation including affordable and premium options consisting of 46 new boutique-style rooms and 56 refurbished rooms in the Boys Reformatory.
The redevelopment will also feature new food and beverage facilities open to the public including a restaurant with a focus on Western Australian produce, café with alfresco seating for 70, gelato bar, a wellness centre with six treatment rooms, community space, two pools and service areas.
Rottnest Island Authority has placed a number of conditions on the proposal following a public comment period which concluded in October.
The conditions cover a range of matters including cultural heritage such as the requirement for a Whadjuk Aboriginal Monitor to be present on site during excavation works or ground disturbance activity.
Other conditions include:
- development of an Aboriginal cultural heritage management plan for the site
- engagement of heritage practitioners to advise on the management of the built heritage and any subsurface archaeology
- using Whadjuk Noongar language to name the new hotel to show respect for the significance of the location
- construction of staff accommodation off-site
Twenty-three submissions were received during the three week public consultation process undertaken in September and October. Sixteen submissions supported the application while five raised concerns and two objected.
All submissions are available to view at https://ria.wa.gov.au/lodge
Handover of the Lodge site to Place Development is expected to occur on June 1, 2022.
Redevelopment of the site is anticipated to start in mid-2022 with completion in 2025.
As stated by Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
“I am very pleased that the proposal to breathe new life into the Lodge site on Rottnest Island has been approved.
“This is an opportunity to re-create the Lodge in harmony with its outstanding natural setting, ensuring that it complements the historic built environment of the precinct, and respects the Aboriginal history of the area.
“Importantly, the conditions applied to this redevelopment will help ensure the significant heritage of the site is acknowledged.
“It is important for Wadjemup to embrace its future with deep respect for the past.”
