First designs show redevelopment plans for Cable Beach foreshore

The very first concept designs showing the planned revamp of the world-famous Cable Beach foreshore have been released, with the community invited to have their say on the $36.5 million project. The image shows the current Cable Beach car park — often criticised for being in the centre of the area — removed to make way for an open community space incorporating family areas, a new amphitheatre and a water play area. Considered the “50 per cent” design, local residents are now invited to a number of community information sessions, including a picnic at the Cable Beach foreshore with lead landscape consultant Josh Byrne. Shire of Broome President Harold Tracey said he was impressed by the concept design and hoped the community would provide their feedback on the project. “Once completed, this new universal space will ensure everyone in our community; locals, families and tourists alike — can enjoy Cable Beach all year round,” he said. “It has been fantastic to see people enjoy our recently revitalised precincts such as Town Beach and Chinatown — we want to create another amazing space for our community at Cable Beach. “We have an iconic beach on our doorstep, the shire wants to create an iconic foreshore to do it justice.” It’s hoped the space would be used to host community events and become a focal hub for local small business. Other features include a new promenade, the renovation of the Broome Surf Lifesaving Club and the provision of new access options to the beach. Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said after revitalising the Town Beach and Chinatown precincts in recent years, upgrading the Cable Beach foreshore was the next logical step. The release of the designs come after council in late February voted in favour of endorsing two coastal protection measures for the beach. Sand nourishment was identified as the preferred protection option for the foreshore in front of the Surf Life Saving Club through to the exposed beach rocks just south of the vehicle access ramp. An exposed rock seawall was identified as the preferred option from the existing exposed beach rocks to the pindan headland. The design was completed by Fremantle based Josh Byrne and Associates, who were engaged for the Chinatown and Town Beach redevelopments, and were appointed at a special meeting of council in September last year.