Published on Tuesday, 29 October 2024 at 6:25:42 AM
Upgrades to the former yacht club site in Port Hedland are set to begin as negotiations with a food and beverage operator to lease the facility are finalised.
At Wednesday night’s Ordinary Council Meeting, councillors endorsed the Town enter into a long-term lease with a preferred proponent to run a hospitality outlet.
The Town is working towards announcing the lessee and their offering later this month to coincide with the Spoilbank Marina opening.
Councillors also adopted a Business Plan for the Major Land Transaction – a regulatory requirement to allow upgrades and refurbishment works to be completed at the facility.
Those works will include:
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Replacing the current playground;
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Restoration of lawn and landscaping;
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Upgrading closed-circuit television;
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Upgrading toilets and handbasins;
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Converting existing showers into toilets to increase patron capacity;
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Replacing kitchen equipment;
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Removing non-structural walls to increase passive surveillance, and;
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Increasing gas and electricity capacity.
Councillors authorised the Town entering into a lease of the premises to a preferred proponent for an initial term of 10 years, followed by a further five-year term and second further term of six years.
Mayor Peter Carter said having a high-quality food and beverage offering at the former yacht club site would be hugely beneficial for Hedland.
“With the Spoilbank Marina redevelopment nearing completion, that area is going to become hugely popular with locals and visitors alike,” Mayor Carter said.
“It will become a real jewel in Hedland’s crown.
“Having a top-class food and beverage outlet will become a huge drawcard. What better place could there be to have a meal, or a drink, with friends or family.”
Mayor Carter said it had been a long process getting to this point after the former Port Hedland Yacht Club fell into administration in February 2022.
“We have run numerous processes seeking interest from both community and commercial entities to operate from the venue.
“We are delighted to have found a preferred proponent that has proven experience willing to introduce a food and beverage offering to Hedland.”
Councillors reconsidered the business case for a decision at Wednesday night’s meeting after an absolute majority vote was not achieved for the officer’s recommendation at the 25 September meeting.
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