A project that Emerge Associates’ commenced working on 11 years ago, the Port Hedland Marina will finally see construction commence.

Emerge’s Landscape Architects and Environmental Consultants led much of the design input, working closely with DevelopmentWA and the consultant team.

An article published on Business News follows below:

After several concept plans and years in the making, the $121.5 million Spoilbank Marina in Port Hedland is progressing, with a tender released for early works.

The Spoilbank Marina has been in the planning pipeline for more than a decade. However, due to size and scale of previous concept plans, as well as funding constraints, the project was put on hold.

The 21-boat pen marina has capacity to expand to 80 pens in the future, with other marina features to include: a four-lane boat ramp; trailer parking for up to 200 vehicles; a separate entrance channel to the main shipping channel; publicly accessible breakwaters with pedestrian path; public recreation and event space and public amenities; waterfront promenade to reflect the Yintha Kariyarra creation serpent story; and public art and a cultural gathering space.

The state government appointed the Pilbara Ports Authority as the developer for the project in July 2020, which will work closely with project partners Department of Transport, DevelopmentWA, Pilbara Development Commission and the Town of Port Hedland.

The marina is expected to be completed by late 2022.

“The Spoilbank Marina project is expected to create more than 200 jobs during construction and support a boost to the local Port Hedland economy, particularly as the state recovers from the economic impacts of COVID-19,” a Pilbara Ports Authority spokesperson said.

“There are opportunities created by the initial construction work, which will have flow-on effects in the local community.

“The finished marina and associated landside development will create a vibrant space for community members to gather and socialise.

“This will create opportunity for local small businesses. There is potential for pop-up stalls, tour operators and commercial operations.”

The Pilbara Ports Authority has issued a tender via the Tenders WA website for the first key package of works involving bulk earthworks such as excavating the marina basin, selected breakwaters and revetments.

The Spoilbank Marina joins a pipeline of marina and port-related projects starting to materialise along the Western Australian’ coast, including the Ocean Reef Marina.

Article and photo courtesy Business News, 2 October 2020