Batavia Coast Marina stage two gets green light as State Government injects $4.4m towards infrastructure

The State Government has committed millions of dollars towards the Geraldton Batavia Coast Marina project, which could create up to 40 new homes near the city’s old railway station. On Monday, it was announced $4.4 million would go towards the second stage, known as Station Square. The area is next to Geraldton’s railway station, and was long touted for development for both commercial and residential applications. The funding announced will enable civil works for the construction of roads through the site, including Monument Promenade and Chambers Way. Works will eventually connect Marine Terrace, Foreshore Drive and Bayly Street. Housing Minister John Carey said the funding would go towards the “bread and butter” of this stage of the project. “It will go towards roads. It will go towards paths. It will go towards lighting,” he said. “What it’s doing is getting the lots ready for the private market. “We’ve worked through some challenging issues, but this really does now enable us to unlock the precinct.” The location would feature one mixed-use lot, one grouped dwelling, and fifteen cottage-style residential lots. Mr Carey confirmed stage two had been delayed because of contamination. He said there was scope for Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation to develop on-site, with the corporation owning one of the lots. Mr Carey said the project would help open up the area and create opportunity. “Station Square is an important project that will enhance Geraldton’s city centre by delivering high-quality public spaces, commercial opportunities, and providing more opportunities to boost housing supply in Geraldton,” he said. “This project will breathe new life into Geraldton’s CBD, providing better connections, new business opportunities, and a revitalised urban experience for locals and visitors alike.” The State Government said as many as 40 new homes could be created through the development, subject to design. City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune was thrilled with the announcement, saying Station Square will be an important precinct for the city. “We look forward to seeing the construction of the proposed roads as they will de-constrain the area and enable developers to transform the land into much needed housing as well as commercial opportunities,” he said. “This announcement and its subsequent development align perfectly with the city’s strategic community plan and is yet another signal that now is a great time to be investing in the future of Geraldton.” A new streetscape at Station Square will include the installation of footpaths, drainage, streetlighting, landscaping and irrigation and feature a mixed-use lot, a grouped dwelling lot and 15 cottage style residential lots.