Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Redevelopment of Rottnest Island Lodge gets approval to commence

Redevelopment of Rottnest Island Lodge gets approval to commence
January 10, 2022

A planned $40 million redevelopment of the Rottnest Island Lodge has been given approval to commence.

Announced before Christmas, the approval conditional on an Aboriginal cultural heritage plan for the site and using the language of the Whadjuk Noongar people to name the new 102-room hotel.

A consortium led by Perth-based Place Development has been given the green light to start redeveloping the Lodge from mid-2022, with completion due in 2025.

As well as 102 accommodation rooms, there will be food and beverage outlets, a cafe, a restaurant with a focus on Western Australian produce, a wellness centre and two pools.

The developers will have to have a Whadjuk Aboriginal Monitor present on site during excavation works or ground disturbance activity.

The former 29-cell prison, known as the Quod, adjoining the Lodge, which was closed as holiday accommodation in 2018, is not part of the redevelopment project and will not form part of the new hotel.

Western Australian Tourism Minister, Roger Cook said he was pleased the project had been approved, commenting “this is an opportunity to re-create the Lodge in harmony with its outstanding natural setting, ensuring that it complements the historic built environment of the precinct, and respects the Aboriginal history of the area

"Importantly, the conditions applied to this redevelopment will help ensure the significant heritage of the site is acknowledged.

"It is important for Wadjemup to embrace its future with deep respect for the past."

The involvement of the Whadjuk people is aimed at acknowledging that Rottnest Island was used as a prison for almost 4,000 Aboriginal men and boys from across Western Australia between 1838 and 1931.

The former Tentland camping ground for tourists, now known as the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground, is where at least 373 Aboriginal men are buried in unmarked graves.

It is the largest deaths in custody site in Australia and the largest known burial ground of Aboriginal people.

Image: Concepts for the redeveloped Rottnest Island Lodge including its new restaurant (top), hotel accommodation (middle) and two swimming pools (below). Credit: Western Australian Government.

Related Articles

31st December 2021 - Western Australian Government offers new financial support for businesses impacted by COVID restrictions

21st December 2021 - Change in Western Australian Government portfolios sees new Tourism Minister appointment

2nd December 2021 - Western Australian Government announces $185 million Reconnect WA promotional package

27th September 2021 - Tourism Council WA launches campaign encouraging vaccinations for summer peak

24th June 2021 - Rottnest Island among 54 recipients of Western Australian Government coastal grants

26th April 2021 - New Aboriginal cultural tourism and recreational businesses sought for Rottnest Island

21st January 2020 - $33 million infrastructure program commences on Rottnest Island’s West End

29th August 2019 - Five-year development vision released for Western Australia’s Rottnest Island

11th April 2019 - Rottnest Island developments backed by Federal and Western Australian Governments

22nd March 2019 - Rottnest Island supports initiative to reduce plastic waste

10th February 2019 - Growing popularity of Rottnest Island sees it approach 2034 visitor target

16th January 2019 - Increased visitor numbers on Rottnest Island


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Technogym Australia

Technogym is the leading company in the Wellness and Fitness field all over the world. With 2,200 employees, 14 branches in Europe, U.S., South America, Asia  and Australia, Technogym exports its…

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Links Modular Solutions

Links Modular Solutions was a leading provider of high-quality, innovative software solutions for aquatic and recreation facilities. Links Modular Solutions is now part of Xplor Technologies.

read more

Access / Billing / Finance / Fitness / Technology

 
 

AMPD Academy

Originally founded to meet the specific training requirements of its own venue management operations, Ampd Academy now embraces a broader mission to combat skill shortages across Australian…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Education / Recreation / Safety

 
 

Momentus Technologies

About: Momentus Technologies is a global provider of industry-leading venue and event management solutions that empower organizations to create extraordinary moments. With over 50,000 users in more…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Hospitality / Technology / Venues

 
 

HIB Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd

HIB Insurance Brokers - Experts in Leisure and Amusement Insurance With over 20 years specialising in the Amusement and Leisure industries, we have the experience to understand your operations and…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Insurance / Recreation / Safety

 
 

Yellowbox Lockers

Yellowbox is an Australian technology company that has developed smart locker technology operated through an app with a focus on experience for users and facility managers. Found at Beaches, Aquatic…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Entertainment / Retail / Security

 
 

WATERPLAY Solutions Corp

Whether your goal is increasing your centre's revenues or creating an engaging environment, why not add play to your project? If you're looking for stylish aquatic play features, kid-tested…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Recreation / Waterparks

 
 

SWIMPLEX AQUATICS

Swimplex Aquatics are a world-class company dedicated to the commercial pool, waterslide industry. We are Australian market leaders servicing all states Australia wide. Swimplex provide a full…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Design / Play / Waterparks

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business