- Construction underway as part of $8.3 million transformation of Port of Albany's State heritage-listed pilot station precinct
- Smith Constructions awarded $6.4 million construction contract following competitive tender process
- Revitalisation of the site to spotlight its unique role in the history of Western Australia's first and oldest port
- Cook Labor Government committed to delivering quality infrastructure across our State
Construction work set to transform the historic Port of Albany Pilot Station into a vibrant community precinct has officially started.
The $8.3 million project, funded under the State Government's program Royalties for Regions, will revitalise heritage-listed Pilot Crew Quarters and Coxswain's Quarters, along with their surrounding grounds, to help tell the story of Western Australia's first port.
Following a competitive tender process, Smith Constructions has been contracted to carry out the works, which includes the restoration of the historic buildings.
The local building company has delivered a number of heritage projects in Albany, including significant work at the Albany Town Hall, and has previous experience carrying out maintenance works at the pilot station precinct.
Plans developed for the site by Southern Ports working with H+H Architects also include adding a playground, further landscaping, bike facilities, and other amenities. Allowances for mobile catering facilities such as a coffee van have also been included.
The Port of Albany Pilot Station precinct housed marine pilots and their families working at the port from as early as 1853 through to 1936.
The site overlooks the channel linking Princess Royal Harbour to King George Sound and was once a bustling precinct of buildings, including the remaining quarters which were included on the State Register of Heritage Places in 2002. The revitalised site is set to open to the community in late 2027.
As stated by Ports Minister Stephen Dawson:
"It's fantastic to see work is officially underway to revitalise this historic precinct during the Port of Albany's bicentenary year.
"The Port of Albany Pilot Station played an integral role during a busy period at WA's first and oldest port, and it will be tremendous to see that unique story highlighted through the delivery of this project.
"The Cook Labor Government is proud to support this project, which will no doubt become a popular spot for locals and visitors to Albany."
As stated by MLC Samantha Rowe:
"This project is about celebrating the rich history of the Port of Albany while creating a welcoming new space for the local community to enjoy.
"Smith Constructions has an impressive heritage portfolio in Albany, and I look forward to seeing this site restored and revitalised."
As stated by Smith Constructions director Hayden Smith:
"Working on heritage projects such as this is always an exciting challenge for our team and one we're always up for.
"We're confident in our ability to deliver an end result that Albany locals and visitors alike will be proud of, while allowing Southern Ports to celebrate the site's historic legacy."
