The Strahan Waterfront Precinct Redevelopment has been in the works since 2015, when Council worked in partnership with TasPorts, the Department of State Growth and broader community to develop the Strahan Waterfront Precinct Plan.
The wharf area is recognised as an integral part of the community, in providing a sense of place for locals and showcasing an important element in the history of Strahan. The area also provides employment opportunities and through the redevelopment, an enhanced tourist experience.
Overall it was identified that a redevelopment of the wharf precinct will create a modern, accessible public space that celebrates the existing area, making it a vibrant place for locals and visitors to connect.
$2million in funding from the Australian Government and $1.375 million in funding from the State Government has been received towards the project.
Community consultation has been ongoing throughout this time and in August 2023 GHD were engaged to provide services to further develop the project plan. This involved careful evaluation of community usage, as well as the town’s heritage, waterfront usage and history.
The outcome of the precinct project will provide:
- a new outdoor public space to make the waters edge more enjoyable and enhance the accessibility to waterfront businesses
- renewal of the West Coast Visitor Information Centre building to enhance visitor servicing
- relocation of existing public amenities for enhanced convenience for all
- reconfiguration of existing car parking and associated works
Update 24 December 2024:
After a tender process, AJR Construct were awarded the contract to complete the redevelopment. Works will start on 7 January, to be completed in stages and within the following approximate timeframes:
- Stage 1a – Visitor information centre redevelopment: 7/1/2025 – 21/08/2025
- Stage 1b – Landscaping and Civil works: 18/2/2025 – 12/08/2025
- Stage 2 – Western End Works: 22/8/2025 – 30/10/2025
Council understands that the project commencement timing is not ideal, however the grant funding must be spent in early 2025, with no extensions available.
The West Coast Visitor Information Centre will relocate to temporary premises for the duration of the project, with some additional closures to allow for moving and setting up in the new location.
The Reflections Exhibition has been provisionally registered on the Heritage Tasmania Register and the Heritage Assessment is ongoing. This is not a barrier to construction and Council has been working closely with Heritage Tasmania. A heritage condition report of the items within the exhibition has been completed, digital preservation has been undertaken and Council is seeking funding for a strategy for the future display of items/reimagined exhibition.
As the project progresses there will be some traffic interruptions, which will be appropriately signed and communicated in advance where possible.
Related documents:
- Strahan Waterfront Precinct Redevelopment - Architecture and Landscape Detailed plans
- Strahan Waterfront Precinct Redevelopment - Stage 1 West Coast Visitor Information Centre
- Strahan Waterfront Precinct Redevelopment - Stage 1b – Landscaping and Civil works
- Strahan Waterfront Precinct Redevelopment - Stage 2 – Western End Works
- Strahan Waterfront Precinct Redevelopment - Concept Plans
- Strahan Waterfront Precinct Plan
Update 6 January 2025:
As part of Stage 1a of the Strahan Waterfront Precinct Redevelopment project, the West Coast Visitor information Centre will be relocating to 29 The Esplanade Strahan, opening in the new premises from Tuesday 7 January.
This relocation will allow redevelopment of the existing Centre to occur and enable the Centre team to continue offering visitor servicing and support to local businesses.
Update 14 January 2025:
Preliminary site works are commencing this week for the Strahan Waterfront Precinct Redevelopment project.
Temporary fencing is being erected near the original West Coast Visitor Information Centre building and adjacent to the Huon Pine Precinct area on the Esplanade.
There may be some pedestrian and vehicular diversions put in place to ensure public safety.
A construction exclusion zone will be erected around “The Ship That Never Was” so that it will not be impacted by construction works and can continue to operate as normal with full access maintained to the area.
The Reflections Exhibition is not part of these preliminary works. Council is planning a timeframe for packaging and storing of exhibition items under the guidance of a suitably qualified professional conservator and in accordance with the Heritage Tasmania permit.