The concept of rejuvenating Albany’s waterfront and capturing the vibrancy of its early days has been circulating for almost 25 years. 

Though first settled as Frederickstown, the town was renamed Albany following the arrival of Western Australian Governor Sir James Stirling in January 1832.

In the early 1900s, the Albany foreshore was a hub of activity and served as the town’s commercial and recreational centre. Commercial fishing, the jetty and baths, tearooms, sailing and other harbour activities gave the foreshore a lively atmosphere that was distinctly Albany.

The development of the port and the construction of the railway both isolated the waterfront and reduced its function and status. The foreshore was expanded in the 1950s through the placement of dredge spoil from the port.

Plans to transform the waterfront back to a vibrant and cosmopolitan precinct originated through a group of locals keen to revamp the area, stimulate the economy and preserve the town’s maritime heritage. The community-based Frederickstown Committee was born in the early 1980s, with big plans for the under-utilised land along the foreshore.

From 1989 to 1993, the Great Southern Development Commission (GSDC) and the Town of Albany undertook several projects, including the removal of the railway yard and the Princess Royal Drive realignment, to facilitate future development.

In 1996, LandCorp received approval to develop commercial, residential and marina precincts and facilities. However, due to concern regarding impacts on port access in the late 1990s, the project was delayed.

Plans for the current development began in 2004, when LandCorp was reintroduced to the project at the request of Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan. 

The Minister encouraged a review of the old concept plan, with a view to returning the foreshore to the lively, bustling centre it used to be, while preserving its maritime heritage.

From Lisbon to London to Cape Town, the Minister visited and reviewed best practice waterfront developments around the world.

Since then, LandCorp has sought to ensure that the project reflects the needs of local residents and businesses, taking on community concerns at each stage of the development whilst simultaneously addressing economic and environmental issues.

The enormously positive social and economic benefits that The Waterfront at Albany will bring to the town will be enjoyed by generations of local residents and visitors to the region.