A proposed luxury accommodation to cater for the increased interest in the Cape to Cape walk track in the South West is one step closer to fruition.
A proposed luxury accommodation to cater for the increased interest in the Cape to Cape walk track in the South West is one step closer to fruition.
Project proponent Troy Hall has planned a tourist development on a 41-hectare site on Moses Rock Road in Wilyabrup.
Mr Hall submitted the application, which estimated the project to cost $15.3 million, to the state government’s State Development Assessment Unit pathway in late 2021.
However, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage only recently released the documents for a public consultation period.
The proposed development comprises 10 chalets, a five-bedroom holiday house, eight camping sites, 16 water tanks, and a reception or events building.
A shed on site is also proposed to be converted into a manager’s residence.
In the development application prepared by Urbanista Town Planning, the proposed development was described as a tourism accommodation that had been thought out with the Cape to Cape track in mind.
“The Cape to Cape track is going to grow in demand beyond Covid-19 with people’s interest in nature-based and adventure activities increasing,” the application reads.
“This is identified as being the highest growth experience for tourism moving forward.
“To enable to the Cape to Cape track to become well known and well serviced beyond just the walker market, accommodation needs to be provided that has optimal positions and a point of difference.”
In the application, the proponent said the property was designed to fill a gap in the market for high-quality luxury accommodation to attract executive singles, couples, and small families.
The project site sits about 80 metres east of the walking track.
“There is a potential for the independent walker market to increase, whereby they walk for seven days requiring accommodation along their walk,” the application reads.
“It is identified that the region has a high number of accommodations already however there is a gap in the high-end accommodation particularly within close proximity to the Cape to Cape track.
“It is also identified that there needs to be camping facilities for independent overnight walkers.”
According to the application, the proposed development would cater for people searching for eco retreats and off-the-grid accommodation.
