An aerial view of the old Waikiki Hotel site.
Camera IconAn aerial view of the old Waikiki Hotel site. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

City of Rockingham develops new policy on old Waikiki Hotel site

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

IN a bid to alleviate Waikiki residents’ collective eyesight, the City of Rockingham has developed a draft policy for a desired development at the site of the former Waikiki Hotel.

The new planning policy will establish urban design guidelines for any future development on Lot 100 (No.434) Safety Bay Road, Safety Bay.

The draft policy was approved to be released for public comment at the City’s September council meeting.

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It gives preferred land uses for the site, which include licensed premises, entertainment/hospitality, eating and drinking places, retail, short-stay accommodation/serviced apartments and medium to high density residential – only in conjunction with commercial development.

Mayor Barry Sammels said the City considered the size and location of the site provided a unique opportunity to deliver a recognisable landmark building, provide attractor land uses and meet the commercial needs of existing and future residents.

The policy will provide the planning context and requirements to guide future development over the site and ensure a high standard of development that capitalises on its coastal location.

The Waikiki Hotel/Motel was opened in 1960 and is believed to have been the first motel in WA.

The site has significant historical and social value for many members of the Rockingham community.

During the 1960s it was very popular with locals and tourists, being one of two licensed venues in Rockingham, and was permitted to trade on Sundays when other metropolitan hotels had to close.

Over the years with the development of alternative licensed premises, the Waikiki Hotel’s popularity declined.

In 2009 it was demolished to make way for a mixed-use development on the site but the owner went into administration and plans to redevelop the site were cancelled.

The remaining vacant and derelict shops next to the existing service station were demolished in August.

For more information, contact the City of Rockingham on 9528 0333 or email customer@rockingham.wa.gov.au.

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