Caption: Whyalla City Council is working with the developer and hotelier of the proposed foreshore hotel to improve the city’s liveability and enhance its appeal. Concept plans for the proposed development include an outdoor swimming pool adjacent the hotel (not a lagoon pool as per previous ideas associated with the hotel), which would be accessible to the broader community.
Hotel Offers Opportunities
Whyalla City Council aims to improve the city’s liveability and enhance its tourist and corporate appeal by working together with the developer and hotelier of the proposed foreshore hotel.
The three parties have committed to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which confirms each party’s intent to work together to:
- develop Whyalla as a key tourism and business destination
- ensure the hotel is successfully integrated into the Whyalla foreshore precinct, taking into account community priorities
- continue negotiating and advocating for improvements and investment into the Whyalla region
Mayor Clare McLaughlin said the MOU was vital to maximise the outcomes that a development of this nature could provide our community and economy.
“Combined with our iconic jetty, the proposed hotel would not only be a beacon to attract significant increases in tourists, new businesses and new investment to our city; but also improve liveability for residents,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“Whilst the development still has a number of steps to go before seeking State Government planning approval, we need to start planning now to ensure it can integrate seamlessly into our broader foreshore redevelopment.
“As part of the current master-planning process, we will ensure any planned developments do not impact the community’s access or use of the broader foreshore area, but are instead incorporated into the foreshore master plan, which will be reflective of residents’ priorities.”
The MOU targets a number of potential opportunities that could result from the proposed development, such as:
- a significant number of new hospitality jobs
- additional flights into Whyalla (including direct from major cities other than Adelaide)
- construction of an outdoor swimming pool and car park adjacent to the hotel (at the developers’ expense), which would be accessible to the broader community
- new residential apartment options for residents
- expansion and enhancement of Ada Ryan Gardens
- Federal, State and private funding for the broader foreshore redevelopment (thereby reducing the need for ratepayer funding)
- increased supply opportunities for local business to the hotel
- hospitality training facilitated through local TAFE, training organisations and Whyalla Secondary College
- high-end event and conference facilities
Mayor McLaughlin said the proposed car park and pool (not a lagoon pool as per previous ideas associated with the hotel) are examples of possible amenities that need careful planning and consultation.
“Recent feedback from residents regarding the future of our Whyalla Health & Leisure Centre showed overwhelming support for an outdoor pool in our city, so we believe this would be welcomed by residents,” she said.
