28/07/2023
: Eight storey hotel proposed for Whyalla foreshore
A new developer has announced plans to build a $100 million, 200 room hotel at Whyalla by 2022.
A $45 million hotel was announced as part of steelworks owner GFG Alliance's plans to transform Whyalla back in 2018.
Developer Thrive Construct said it had now taken over the project, and planned to spend more than double that amount building a "7-8 storey" resort.
Executive Chairman Barrie Harrop said the company would begin building on the 6000 square metre site between the botanic gardens and foreshore as soon as it had Planning Commission approval.
Mr Harrop said though the project does not require the go-ahead from the Whyalla Council, Thrive Construct was meeting with the council to share plans tonight.
"We're talking about a stunning piece of architecture, we're enhancing the experience from the botanic gardens, so we will have a continuous view from the gardens out to the sea.
"We'll employ 400 young local people in Whyalla and in that process give those young people a career pathway," he said.
Mr Harrop also said he supported the campaign to reinstate a ban on catching cuttlefish in the region.
"Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham did give an undertaking in my presence last night to the Mayor of Whyalla to investigate the situation with the cuttlefish," he said.
Mr Harrop said the company had all the financing it needed for the project, and did not require government assistance.
The Whyalla Council declined to comment.
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