Scarborough’s long-awaited foreshore transformation is finally gathering momentum, with plans for a new family friendly hospitality destination and a major public recreation space set to reshape two prime beachfront sites.
The City of Stirling is hoping to unlock the future of the huge 4700sqm Scarborough Beach Gateway, launching a commercial push for a developer to transform one of the last major undeveloped sites at the heart of one of Perth’s most popular beaches.
Two vacant sites sit between the upper and lower promenades, next to the Scarborough Clocktower and Amphitheatre, and have remained covered in mulch since the foreshore reopened in 2018 following a $100 million redevelopment.
The city now wants to turn the long-standing blank spaces into a major new drawcard for locals and visitors, with their vision focused on families, recreation, wellness and hospitality while also ensuring any new development complements existing businesses rather than competing with them.
The southern site will be a focus of a commercial expression of Interest process, which will launch tomorrow, October 14, with the city seeking proposals for a low-rise, hospitality led destination designed to bring more life back into the beachfront.
The EOI process will shortlist proponents with experience, capabilities and ideas to deliver a project aligned with the city’s vision.
A request for detailed proposals is expected early next year, with the EOI closing on November 18.
The proposed southern development would be limited to one or two storeys, with the city seeking a family friendly offering that fills a gap in Scarborough’s existing hospitality scene.
Rather than adding to the beach’s already established bar-focused and late-night venues, the vision is to create a destination appealing to an audience the city believes is currently underserved.
The northern site is earmarked for public space, with planning progressing for future sport, recreation and events.
Concept images released by the city show a early glimpse into what the gateway could eventually look like.
The images are illustrative only and do not represent an approved development.
Stirling mayor Mark Irwin said the two sites represented the final major pieces in the transformation of Scarborough’s foreshore.
“Scarborough Beach has become a truly world-class destination over the past decade through strong investment and a focus on what makes Scarborough unique,” he said.
“These two landmark sites are the final big pieces of the puzzle when it comes to transforming and activating the foreshore.”
The sites returned to the city’s control in 2023, which gave it the opportunity to progress with the future plans for the beachfront as part of its broader redevelopment.
Community and councillor engagement has helped shaped the vision. The city has placed emphasis on creating a destination that benefits and encourages recreation, and supports surrounding businesses.
Mr Irwin said he was eager to see progress at the sites, which have remained a conspicuous feature of the foreshore since the development was completed.
“This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity in an incredible location and I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of interest,” he said.
“Like a lot of people around Scarborough, I can’t wait for the woodchips to be gone, so it’s great to see some movement on this.
“This process is about making sure we get the right fit for the community and our local businesses.”