WHEN Wanneroo councillors gave approval for the chief executive officer to negotiate a commercial lease for the redevelopment of the Old Yanchep Surf Club in December 2020 there was a lot of community excitement about the proposed new venue and even talk it might open this year.
Last year on August 10 councillors approved the spending of an unbudgeted $100,000 on servicing upgrades, with $250,000 apparently already allocated to the works.
In a motion moved by former councillor and now Mayor Linda Aitken the councillors also unanimously agreed to consider bringing forward a $500,000 Brazier Rd pathway project
But it is now September 2022 and there is little sign of any progress with the City of Wanneroo 2022-23 capital works program only including $85, 872 (carried over from 2021-22) for an upgrade of services on Brazier Rd.
Back in December 2020 Nigel Oakey from Be Our Guest said redevelopment plans for the Old Yanchep Surf Club site included a beach-front kiosk, café, bar and boutique accommodation with the architecture and styling adapted for the location.
It was also reported that Mr Oakey said the venue could potentially open in 2022 but the timing would depend on lease negotiations, consultation, approvals processes, design and construction.
Earlier this month Yanchep News Online asked the City of Wanneroo for an update on the proposed development including if Be Our Guest was still involved in the redevelopment of the site and if so what stage the project and service upgrades were at but is yet to receive a response.
The key dates for the city’s works and construction of the Old Yanchep Surf Club are 2023 to 2024, according to the city’s website but Yanchep News Online has been unable to confirm this timeline.
Mr Oakey said the infrastructure issues were outside their control (and Covid-19 in the middle did not help) but for its part Be Our Guest were still positively engaged with the process.
He said it was his understanding the council was still keen on and committed to the project.
- On Tuesday, September 20 the City of Wanneroo provided the following statement:
“Wanneroo council approved a lease arrangement to be prepared between the city and Be Our Guest at its August 2021 ordinary council meeting.
Covid-19 impacted project timelines however lease negotiations are now underway.
Be Our Guest presented to the Yanchep Lagoon community working group in early 2021. The city expects that engagement between Be Our Guest and the Working Group will continue throughout the project.
Be Our Guest would be required to submit a development application to satisfy the city’s commercial development process.
The city is planning for servicing requirements within the Yanchep Lagoon master plan area, which encompasses the proposed Be Our Guest project, and will complement investigations for improving parking, pathways and beach access.”
