Adding to Scarborough’s changing landscape

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often” – a powerful quote from Winston Churchill who adamantly supported employing change for the better, which is exactly what is currently taking place at Scarborough Beach.

The popular beachside location is undergoing an extensive revitalisation project which, in the words of Tourism WA, is tipped to make it one of Australia’s best beaches for the community and visitors to enjoy.

With the host of new facilities now available (and future developments expected to further add to the changing landscape) it is clear that Scarborough is booming. These foreshore improvements have now created a vibrant hub of activity for families and people of all ages, adding to the lifestyle and value of becoming a resident in this thriving all-seasons destination.

Making waves

With an initial investment of $30 million from the State Government alongside $27.4 million from the City of Stirling, the project is also expected to attract a further $180 million in investments from the private sector. This significant injection of funds into this family coastal spot is expected to propel Scarborough Beach into the spotlight as one of the nation’s leading beachfront destinations.

The project has already attracted some notable accolades within the press, picking up the award for best Government and Public Use project from the 2018 WA Urban Development Institute of Australia.

Fresh opportunities from new spaces

The revitalisation project, led by The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority, is set to include a host of beachfront elements including; an open-air recreation space with climbing walls, international competition grade skate bowl and skate park; a Lotteywest playground, and public pool recreation complex.

A new civic square was also included to improve transport connections, a new surf club building and Sunset Hill, a place to take in the spectacular postcard views that is sure to attract a host of budding photographers. The project will see upgrades and updates to the coastal strip as far North as Reserve Street, through to Brighton Road, covering the full length of The Esplanade which itself has also seen an extension.

A boost for Perth tourism

With tourism high on the agenda for the area, Premier Mark McGowan commented, “Scarborough Beach has always been popular with Western Australians and tourists, and this transformation is sure to rival other beaches around Australia as one of the country’s top tourism destinations.”

Already attracting 1 million visitors each year on average, Scarborough is expected to bring in more opportunities not only for tourism, but also for business, families and events thanks to the introduction of contemporary recreation spaces, outstanding community amenities and improved beach access.

One such example is the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships known as ‘The Aussies’ which is set to return to WA in 2022, with the area’s new world facilities offering the ideal vantage point to the action, which is the largest event of its kind, only comparing the likes of the Commonwealth Games.

The 2018 event attracted just over 8,500 visitors who spent $15.8 million during the event, with the next visit set to further inject sizeable funds into the local community. Premier Mark McGowan expressed his excitement for the return of the water-based event to WA beaches, “We’re hoping to see another great turnout and an even bigger boost to the economy when the championships return in 2022.”

Collaboration at its best

The changes have come about after an extensive process of obtaining feedback and concepts from a range of local sources. Firstly there was review of the City of Stirling master plan, coupled with workshops held with local government, community groups and businesses within the area, with an additional 3,000 candidates feeding back via an administered survey.

MRA Chief Executive Officer Sean Henriques was appreciative of the community input which has helped this process along, “Community and stakeholders have played avery active role in shaping what is the new look Scarborough Beach. We heard ideas from thousands of people through local community, business and government workshops, and through extensive online consultation.”

Our contribution

As Perth property experts, we at Griffin Projects Group are only too excited to be contributing to this change thanks to our upcoming project at The Residence, with 14 boutique apartments set to add residential opportunity to those wanting to lap up the new lifestyle on offer.

With these apartments expected to fly off the shelves, now is a great time to secure your future coastal lifestyle at The Residence. We welcome your call or email today!