Heritage architect to pilot port cottage precinct development

Plans to transform the historic Port of Albany’s Pilot Station into a vibrant precinct for the community have reached a major milestone following the appointment of a heritage architect.

Minister for Ports Hon. David Michael MLA announced today H+H Architects won the contract to turn concepts for the precinct into a detailed design following a competitive tender process.

He said he was looking forward to seeing how the initials concepts for the site would be developed further.

"The Albany Pilot Station precinct is an historically rich area that deserves to be put on show for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

“The Port of Albany is intrinsically linked to WA’s rich history as our first and oldest port, so I think everyone should be excited to see this site transformed.”

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said it was an exciting milestone for the project and he’s looking forward to seeing the original concepts start to come to life.

“A significant amount of work and collaboration has already gone into looking at how we can sustainably reinvigorate this historic site at our Port of Albany,” Mr Wilks said.

“H+H Architects is a renowned heritage architect and I’m confident they will provide us with designs that the whole community and State can enjoy and be proud of.” 

Concepts for the $8.3 million transformation of the precinct were announced in May by the Minister for Ports and included an interpretive centre, small café and open spaces for the community to enjoy.

The precinct overlooks the channel connecting King George Sound to Princess Royal Harbour and historically played an important role in the Port of Albany’s operations as a homebase for its marine pilots and crews as well as their families.

“Since announcing this project earlier this year we’ve continued to receive a high level of community interest and we’re excited to continue driving it forward,” Mr Wilks said.

“In addition to the work we’re doing to transform the buildings and infrastructure, we’re also undertaking a wider project to learn more about the site’s history through surveys, partnerships with Notre Dame to undertake archaeological research and through anecdotes passed on by individuals who have lived in the precinct.”

H+H Architects is an experienced firm that has been involved in a variety of heritage projects throughout WA, including numerous in Albany such as the Stirling Terrace Precinct refurbishment, adapting the old Headmaster's House and Albany State School buildings for re-use and ongoing heritage consultancy at Camp Quaranup.

H+H Architects Director and Principal Architect Julie de Jong said there was a high level of anticipation that came with working on a project deeply connected to Albany’s rich maritime history.

“Finding a suitable use for a heritage building is often the most important way of ensuring its ongoing care and protection, and allows a new generation to appreciate its unique history and role in the story of Albany,” she said.

“The adaptive re-use of the Pilot's Cottage is a great opportunity to share this unique site with the broader community by creating a place that the public can visit and enjoy while learning about its unique role in Albany's history.

“The project takes a precinct-wide approach, ensuring that the surrounding landscape is developed to support the new uses in the buildings, that amenities for visitors will be upgraded, and that there will be connection with nearby community assets.”

Southern Ports will work with H+H Architects to develop the detailed design to be finalised late next year.

Read Minister for Ports Hon. David Michael MLA’s full statement – here.