Wallcliffe House changes will limit Margaret River public access to ticketed events

The developers of Wallcliffe House have backed out on a plan to welcome residents to its upscale restaurant and spa when the historic site opens to the public as a high-end luxury stay.

The return of Wallcliffe House, destroyed in the 2011 bushfires, was initially pitched as a community asset that would admit non-guest locals to its upmarket facilities.

However, in an update on the project to return the historic site to its former glory – expanded to provide a boutique hotel experience to luxury tourists – Voyager Estate owner Alexandra Burt last Wednesday said revisions to the project had forced the change.

Last year, the Times reported the initial concept for the redevelopment had scaled back capacity from 40 rooms to 25 and removed some planned chalets.

While the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River consulted the public on the latest plans, that feedback would be included in its responsible authority report to the State Government’s Joint Development Assessment Panel due to the cost of the overall project.

Ms Burt told councillors last week she was disappointed at the change, but intended to open to the general public up to four times per year through ticketed events.

Ms Burt said garden tour groups, while the hotel-restaurant was undergoing maintenance, and one-off events - for instance during the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival - would be considered.

But any plans for public opening had to be tested once the site was in operation, she said.

“We want to know what our property can handle and what it can’t,” she said.

Despite that change, Ms Burt said the project would still have “enormous value” to the community, with strong sustainability and design credentials, gentle impact on the river’s edge environment, and a centre for excellence to train and employ local hospitality workers.

The briefing heard consultation produced 50 objections to the proposal out of 83 submissions.

Shire strategic planning manager Matt Cuthbert said Aboriginal heritage was the biggest concern, but the WA Heritage Council and Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage had given their consent and the redevelopment had Federal Aboriginal heritage permits in place.

Ms Burt also acknowledged the project had dissenters, particularly those who wanted the site left untouched.

“We are acutely aware there are some in the community who do not support our vision,” she said.

“We have been humbled by the tremendous support we have received from right across the community.”

Ms Burt said she and husband Julian were “custodians” who aimed to sensitively showcase the Aboriginal and early European history of the site while providing a visitor experience not currently available.

The latest plans feature the 18-room hotel as well as seven cottages, a restaurant and bar, small gallery and spa treatment rooms as well as road and garden works.

The Shire’s position on the project would go for council consideration next week.