Rottnest Lodge Redevelopment

Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) is assessing a development application for the Rottnest Lodge site on corner of Kitson Street and Digby Drive on Rottnest Island.

The proposal includes 102 accommodation rooms (46 new rooms, 56 refurbished Boys Reformatory rooms and Lakeside Villas), food and beverage facility, café, wellness centre, pools and service areas.

A community information session was held for the proposal on Tuesday 21 September 2021, public comment was invited until Monday 11 October 2021.

The public comment process for the development application is now closed. RIA is now reviewing submissions and preparing to determine the Development Application.

All persons and organisations that made a submission during the public comment process will be informed in writing of RIA’s determination and this will generally occur within 30 days of the development application being determined.

The proposed plans are available below:

• Rottnest Lodge Planning Report (PDF 5.72MB)
  • Appendix A - Drawing List and Location (PDF 0.7MB)
  • Appendix A -Site Plan (PDF 1.13MB)
  • Appendix A -Demolition Plan (PDF 1.73MB)
  • Appendix A -Floor Plans - Restaurant Reformatory & Lakeside Rooms (PDF 5.28MB)
  • Appendix A -Floor Plans - Poolside Rooms (PDF 4.79MB)
  • Appendix A -Elevations - Site (DA201) (PDF 1.25MB)
  • Appendix A -Elevations - Restaurant & Reformatory (DA202) (PDF 2.19MB)
  • Appendix A -Elevations -  Existing Lake Side Rooms (DA203) (PDF 1.9MB)
  • Appendix A -Elevations - New Pool Side Rooms Elevations (DA204) (PDF 1.85MB)
  • Appendix A -DA301 3D View (PDF 66.7MB)
  • Appendix A -DA302 3D View (PDF 54.9MB)
  • Appendix A -DA303 3D View (PDF 52.3MB)
  • Appendix A -DA304 3D View (PDF 155MB)
  • Appendix A -DA305 3D View (PDF 148MB)
  • Appendix A -DA306 3D View (PDF 21.4MB)
  • Appendix A -DA307 3D View (PDF 22.8MB)
  • Appendix A -DA308 3D View (PDF 134MB)
  • Appendix A -DA309 3D View (PDF 122MB)

Design Guidelines:

• Design Guidelines Lodge Garden Lake (PDF 8MB)
• Lodge Garden Lake View Corridor Diagrams (PDF 1MB)

The following surveys and investigations commissioned by RIA as part of the Lodge project process are available below:

• Ground Penetrating Radar Survey (PDF 6MB) 
• Garden Lake Foreshore Historical Archaeological Survey (PDF 16MB)
• Ethnographic and Archaeological Assessment (PDF 2MB)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is this proposal happening?

  The project is a key initiative of the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2020-24 to facilitate new private developments and specifically to re-create the Lodge in harmony with its natural setting, while respecting the solemn Aboriginal history of the area.
  
  RIA called for expressions of interest to redevelop the Rottnest Lodge site in March 2020. Six respondents were shortlisted and invited to submit detailed proposals against specific selection criteria including design, cultural and commercial factors. The submissions were assessed by an expert panel including representatives from RIA, Office of Government Architect and a member of the Wadjemup Aboriginal Reference Group (WARG).

• Where is the Lodge located?

  The site is located between the Thomson Bay Settlement and the salt lakes.

• Who is the proponent?

  Place Development Australia leads a Perth-based consortium including GPA Pty Ltd and Pendulum Group. The proposed development was designed by Fremantle architects Spaceagency.

• What is proposed for the site?

  The proposal includes 102 accommodation rooms and 1 duty manager room, food and beverage facility, café, wellness centre, two pools and service areas.

• If the development application is approved, when will construction start and when will the project be completed?

  Place Development is expected to take handover of the Lodge site following expiry of the current lease on 31 May 2022. Redevelopment of the Lodge site is anticipated to start in mid 2022 with completion in 2025.

• Will construction cause disruption to visitors?

  The construction phase will require a construction and traffic management plan to minimise impacts to Island visitors and businesses.

• What is happening to the Quod building?

  The Lodge is situated next to the former Aboriginal prison building known as the "Quod". Whadjuk Noongar people will lead consultation on a proposal for the future of the Quod as part of The Wadjemup Project. RIA has undertaken extensive due diligence on the Lodge site including ground penetrating radar surveys, an ethnographic survey and an archaeological survey in conjunction with Whadjuk Noongar Traditional Owners.

• What is happening to the golf course?

  The Rottnest Lodge site is being progressed independently of the golf course.

• What happens after the end of public consultation?

  The Rottnest Island Authority will make its final decision following assessment of the application. All persons and organisations that made a submission during the comment process will be informed in writing of the RIA’s determination and this will generally occur within 30 days of the development application being determined.