Stage 1a
Stage 1b
Stage 2
4 September 2025
Current project works include:
- Post prep and install continuing at the West Coast Visitor Information Centre/The Ship That Never Was
- Continuing painting the West Coast Visitor Information Centre trusses
- Roof works including new gutter and brackets installed and mini orb replaced on the southwest corner of the West Coast Visitor Information Centre
- Prep the footpath between The Ship That Never Was and the road
- Joist install continuing on the boardwalk
- Glass cleaning and removing old shade sails on the West Coast Visitor Information Centre roof
July 2025
Construction is now 50%. Concrete for the water’s edge stairs was poured, the wall completed, boardwalk is under construction, timber supports have been removed from the visitor centre building, ready for replacement whilst the steel roof structure of the centre has been refurbished.
June 2025
Works are now 40% complete and continue to be on track for a November completion. Footings are now complete on the shelter wall whilst the stairs on the water’s edge was formed.
The concrete footpath and trees have been removed, with electrical trenching works 80% complete.
May 2025
Construction is 25% complete, with an expected November completion. Piling works for the boardwalk have been completed, and the shelter and new toilet block is under construction.
April 2025
28 March 2025
- How to move forward with refurbishing the Centre to ensure it is safe and accessible
- How to preserve and reimagine the Reflections Exhibition, with some items in very poor condition
- How to fund any approved future works, with current funding not enough to cover expected new project requirements
- The impact of a longer closure on the operations of the West Coast Visitor Information Centre, who have moved to operate out of a smaller, temporary location
25 March 2025
3 March 2025
- landscaping is underway
- engagement with Heritage Tasmania and artists involved with the Reflections Exhibition is ongoing, items will not be removed until further assessment is completed, under the guidance of a suitably qualified professional
- testing of ground conditions for the proposed boardwalk is planned, with a pilling rig to arrive on site soon
- the concrete slab for new public toilets has been poured
- footings for the new shelter that will be built onsite have been constructed
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.
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
After a tender process, AJR Construct were awarded the contract to complete the redevelopment. Works started in January 2025, to be completed in stages and within the approximate completion date of late October 2025.
Project timeframes reflect the time needed for necessary consultation with the community and stakeholders, the summer weather window for construction and the condition of the grant that all funds are spent by the end of 2025.
The West Coast Visitor Information Centre has relocated to temporary premises at 29 Esplanade, Strahan, for the duration of the project.
FAQ
The Australian and Tasmanian Government have contributed $3,375,000 to the project.
The West Coast Visitor Information Centre has relocated to temporary premises at 29 The Esplanade in Strahan. It will remain here while works are completed. We expect to be in our temporary home until August 2025.
The Visitor Information Centre will continue to provide visitor assistance, accommodation and activity bookings, sale of West Coast Tas merchandise and sale of tickets to The Ship That Never Was.
The Centre will be open Monday-Friday from 10am to 5.30pm.
Activity and accommodation bookings, local information and merchandise also remain available online at www.westcoasttas.com
Following the heritage listing being confirmed in March 2025, Council liaised with Heritage Tasmania and other stakeholders to look at what works can proceed within the parameters of the heritage listing.
The focus for 2025 is to complete the Strahan Waterfront Redevelopment project with the existing agency without undertaking extensive internal renovations to the West Coast Visitor Information Centre.
This approach aligns with the heritage mandate, which emphasizes preserving the internal orientation and historical essence of the building.
Following consensus from the heritage team, our focus has shifted to reinstate the structural integrity of the building while enhancing the condition of its external components.
The internal refurbishment will be scoped separately at a later stage, as it requires more time and detailed planning.
Our current efforts are concentrated on:
- Replacing the old wooden posts and their foundations
- Cleaning the roof
- Developing the surrounding area of the building to protect the structure from decays
- Preserving all internal artifacts and layout as-is
This strategy ensures compliance with heritage expectations while allowing us to move forward with the broader Strahan Waterfront Redevelopment Project.