City of Bunbury sign landmark deal with Barnes Capital for $50 million hotel development along coastline

A massive hotel precinct is set to be developed on a prime lot with views of Bunbury’s world-class coastline after a landmark agreement this week. The City of Bunbury finalised a $50 million contract with Melbourne-based builder Barnes Capital to develop the empty lot next to Lighthouse Hotel into a five to six-storey hotel precinct. A statement from the City on Thursday said the development would be “architecturally designed” to take advantage of the 360 views across the Back Beach coastline, Basalt rocks and the CBD after the the area was sold for $3.3 million last year. The precinct would also offer hospitality opportunities, including a mix of food, beverage and retail outlets. The road reserve on Carey street will also be amalgamated with the development, which was a contentious discussion between council and local residents in March’s Bunbury council meeting. Bunbury Mayor Jaysen De San Miguel said the deal was one of many ongoing plans to bring people to Bunbury. “The scope of the plan that we have seen is huge, are talking five of six stories of accommodation which will be on potentially the best bit of land in Bunbury with these views,” he said. “Its very exciting and will hopefully draw people to Bunbury because they will want to stay at the brand new hotel, people like to do that stuff. “Of course with the surrounding stuff with your commercial and hospitality, its going to create a real prescient up here and hopefully that’s the kind of thing that leads to continued development along our beach fronts.” Mr De San Miguel said the Bunbury community still had a chance to share any concerns about the project. “The final plans aren't out yet, so there is still work on that and before they get approved, it will be part of the community consolation,” he said. “The approval processes will go through the South West Development Commission rather than through us due to the scope of it, but they will run their consultation as well. “So there is still plenty of change for people to make comments.” The precinct development, which is set to create a number of local jobs, has a projected timeline of completion by 2024.