The City of Rockingham south of Perth is in the grip of a population and tourist boom. Situated just 47 kilometres from Perth, Rockingham has always attracted a steady stream of visitors from the city. In the past two years, this old seaside village has become one of the most popular coastal destinations in the south west corridor of WA.
The City covers 261 square kilometres and is home to some 77,000 residents. The population has trebled over the past 20 years, and by 2016 it is expected to reach 123,000. The Kwinana Freeway extension and a railway line to be completed in 2006 have put Rockingham within 35 minutes of Perth. New residents are flocking to enjoy the City’s coastal lifestyle and convenient location.
Mayor Barry Sammels said this had cemented Rockingham’s reputation as a coastal growth centre.
“Rockingham Beach has enormous potential for tourism,” he said. “It’s sheltered position and excellent swimming beaches have been a drawcard for families for decades.”
He said Council had recently approved five new multi storey developments in addition to the Rockingham Waterfront Village project.
These developments are all within the waterfront precinct and include a mix of residential apartments, short stay accommodation, restaurants and commercial tenancies. They range from three to 12 storeys. Construction has started on the $18 million Aria Luxury Apartments. More than 80 per cent of the 10 storey beachfront complex has already been sold.
Cedar Woods Properties Development Manager, Horatio Alvarez, said the remaining apartments are priced from $440,000 for two bedrooms with panoramic ocean views.
“We expect very strong interest over the coming months for this unique and highly sought after beachfront location,” he said. “Demand for the apartments from owner occupiers and investors has been strong and we expect to sell out before completion of the building.”
Construction of the Aria Apartments is expected to finish in early 2005.
Other new developments include the Oceana residential apartments; the Marriott Ramada Resort; the Sails residential apartments; the Rockingham Hotel Resort and the Horizon short stay apartments.
