Plans to transform the Port of Albany historic pilot cottages into a community precinct have progressed further, with H and H Architects awarded the contract for detailed design.
As the oldest port in Western Australia, the Port of Albany has a rich history. The port’s pilot cottages served as accommodation for marine officers, who guided vessels in and out of Princess Royal Harbour from as early as 1853 until 1936. The historical significance of these cottages was acknowledged when they were added to the WA State Register of Heritage Places in 2002.
In May 2024, the WA government pledged $8.3 million to redeveloping the historic Port of Albany Pilot Station and its cottages into a community precinct. At the time of the announcement, the state government asserted that the transformation would create “a major attraction for tourists and visitors, while also activating new spaces for the community to enjoy.”
Following a competitive tender process, H and H Architects were appointed to progress the project forward from concept to detailed design. As stated in a WA government communique, the firm was selected for its proven expertise in managing heritage projects throughout the state, including several in Albany.
The Member for Albany Rebecca Stephens echoed those sentiments, saying that the practice “has a tremendous reputation for heritage work across a variety of WA projects.”
Stephens added, “When restored, the pilot cottages will offer a rare insight to what it was like to live and work in these buildings between 1853 to 1936.”
Early concepts of the Port of Albany pilot station precinct feature an interpretive centre, a small cafe, port-themed play areas, parking and open spaces, all linked to the existing Port to Point trail. Additionally, the precinct is set to feature an information centre for cultural and eco-tourism.
The architects will work with Southern Ports – an authority that oversees management of three ports: Albany, Bunbury and Esperance – to develop the design.
WA Ports Minister David Michael said the Albany Pilot Station precinct deserves to be on show. “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,” said Michael.
The detailed design is expected to be finalised in late 2025.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
