The new Eyre Eye Centre building on Elliott Street
Developments Demonstrate Soaring Confidence
12 June 2024
Confidence in Whyalla’s exciting future is growing, with a sevenfold increase in development applications submitted and building projects starting to take shape.
Since September 2023, Whyalla City Council’s planning team has granted development approval for 114 applications at a total value of more than $13 million – up from only $1.5 million for the same period in the previous financial year. This included more than $4.5 million in commercial / industrial development.
Some of the major developments include:
- A combination of more than 160 new rooms / cabins across EDP Hotels’ Spencer Hotel; the Comfort Inn Whyalla; and Discovery Parks’ Whyalla Foreshore Holiday and Caravan Park
- The new Eyre Eye Centre building on Elliott Street
- EDP Hotels’ new Bayview Hotel bottle-o and drive-through
- Sunrise Christian School’s new school building and early education centre
- New Reece plumbing and bathroom supply store on Norrie Avenue
Mayor Phill Stone said this major increase in investment was the single biggest indicator that Whyalla was on the rise.
“Confidence in Whyalla’s future among the investment community is absolutely soaring,” Mayor Stone said.
“With major projects such as the Hydrogen Jobs Plan sparking international interest, existing local businesses and external investors are getting ahead of the game by developing projects aimed to cater for the anticipated increase in population and visitation.
“We’re not talking extensions and sheds here – this is $13 million in major development aimed to attract more people to live and work in Whyalla and improve liveability for existing residents.
“What’s even more exciting is the fact we have about $60 million in developments still under assessment or awaiting building approval and development consent, so these figures are only going to continue to increase.”
Mayor Stone said of particular note were the number of enquiries relating to high-density, townhouse developments, something not considered for Whyalla in some time.
If you’re an investor considering developing in Whyalla, be sure to check out council’s potential development sites prospectus for a list of just some of the opportunities available.
EDP Hotels’ new Bayview Hotel bottle-o and drive-through
New Reece plumbing and bathroom supply store on Norrie Avenue
Sunrise Christian School’s new school building and early education centre