Bold vision for Rockingham beach precinct starts to take shape

More than 12 months after works started on the $15.75 million first stage of the Rockingham Beach Foreshore Revitalisation, the revamped beachside area is now open to the public.

Described as a “landmark moment” for the City of Rockingham by Mayor Barry Sammels, the long awaited enhancement has transformed one of the City’s most popular locations into a pedestrian-friendly hub.

“When ground was broken at the foreshore in July 2018 after extensive community consultation, we wanted to give residents, visitors and businesses a high quality space that everyone could be proud of,” Mr Sammels said.

“Our aim was to develop a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly precinct that physically and conceptually connects the City with the sea through an innovative upgrade which retains many of the best elements that made the Foreshore so great to begin with.”

The stage one works involved upgrades to three main areas, including Railway Terrace, the Beach Plaza, which will become a “new heart for Rockingham” with a range of recreational, cultural and heritage attractions, and the new-look Boardwalk, with timber terraces and attractions connecting to the beach.

Separate to the foreshore contract, several art projects will be installed soon, including the Founders’ Memorial Clock, which will serve as the entry statement, an eagle ray sculpture in the Park Plaza, and painted Aboriginal artwork for the lookout walls.

Construction began on July 31, 2018, with works put on hold last December until February to allow visitors and businesses to capitalise on the busy summer break.

To celebrate completion of the project, the City will host a special two-day foreshore celebration on Saturday October 26, and Sunday, October 27, to be held in conjunction with the launch of the Castaways Sculpture Awards exhibition. It will feature free entertainment and activities for people of all ages.

“The improved foreshore precinct will benefit both locals and visitors well into the future, becoming a place that is recognised on a local, State, national and international level,” Mr Sammels said.

He also thanked the community and businesses in the area for their patience during contsruction and acknowledged while it “was always going to be an inconvenience”, the City received strong support from owners to “get stuck in and get the job done”.

“Thanks to the concerted efforts of all involved, and the ongoing support of businesses and visitors who really got behind the project, we can all look forward to enjoying our new-look foreshore attracting more people than ever to this iconic part of Rockingham,” he said.