The City of Stirling is working on an exciting project to revitalise Scarborough beach precinct and create a premier coastal community comprising a mix of residential, commercial and tourist accommodation. As a key metropolitan beach side location, Scarborough will be transformed into a vibrant and sustainable community and tourist destination.
Following extensive consultation, the City is putting in place a new planning framework to encourage mixed-use redevelopment in the area ranging in height from four to 12 storeys. The planning framework also provides for developer contributions to public infrastructure, such as foreshore and streetscape improvements and public art.
Already there has been very significant interest from local landowners, with the Council approving several new residential and tourist developments.
One such development, opened in January 2007, is the new $10 million Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre. The Amphitheatre has transformed Scarborough into an iconic regional and national tourism asset, making it a key focal point of the Sunset Coast.
Events held at Scarborough, utilising the Amphitheatre since its official opening have included:
Tri Nations Beach Cricket: A televised tournament contested by teams from Australia, England and the West Indies; featuring many famous past international test cricketers. The event marked the ‘official’ opening of the Scarborough Amphitheatre and was attended by over 4,000 people in searing temperatures of over 40°C.
National Beach Volleyball: The penultimate round of the Australian Beach Volleyball Championships was held at Scarborough at the beginning of February 2007, with over 3,000 people attending the final day of competition. The venue won acclaim as being the best beach volleyball venue in Australia – comparable to many of the best beach volleyball sites around the world.
Australian Surf Life Saving Championships: More than 6,800 competitors and officials from nearly 200 clubs took part in the 2007 Masters and Open Championships at Scarborough Beach. Surf lifesaving officials and competitors declared the Aussies ‘a huge success’ and are looking forward to returning to Scarborough Beach in 2008 and 2009.
Future events at the Amphitheatre include the return of the Tri Nations Beach Cricket, National Beach Volleyball and the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in 2008 along with concerts such as the annual Christmas Carols.
