Cottesloe Beach foreshore to undergo major facelift following landmark $15 million funding boost

Cottesloe Beach is set for a $15 million facelift after the Albanese Government announced $10m towards a long-awaited revamp, with the local council also putting $5m towards the works. Town of Cottesloe mayor Melissa Harkins said on Saturday the funding would allow stage one of the Cottesloe Beach Foreshore Revitalisation Project to begin next year. “Stage one will focus on creating a more welcoming and accessible public space, with key upgrades including transforming carpark one into public open space including terraced seating areas, an event plaza, landscaped community spaces, widening footpaths along Marine Parade, and traffic calming measures to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists,” Ms Harkins said. “Delivery of stage one represents 50 per cent of the overall project and the town looks forward to continuing discussions with the State Government to secure outcomes that may deliver the remainder of the project.” Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman said the funding had been provided under the Albanese Government’s urban precincts and partnerships program. “Western Australians love the Cottesloe foreshore and now the Albanese Government is showing some love to this iconic Australian beach,” Mr Gorman said. “Cottesloe Beach holds treasured memories for generations of Australians and for our international visitors. “We are working with the council to ensure it is protected, celebrated and enjoyed by future generations.” While Cottesloe Beach is widely recognised as one of the world’s best beaches, the surrounding public infrastructure is ageing and in need of modernising. Seven years ago, the Town of Cottesloe produced a masterplan for the area — but it went nowhere because of the estimated $30m price tag. The 2019 masterplan depicted grassed terraces, transforming carpark one into a civic plaza, expanding the play areas and upgrading the existing open lawn area. “The Cottesloe Foreshore Revitalisation Project is about preserving and enhancing one of Western Australia’s most iconic coastal destinations for future generations,” Ms Harkins said. She said the project would deliver social and economic benefits. “The Cottesloe foreshore plays a vital role in Perth and Western Australia’s visitor economy, drawing significant tourism and supporting local businesses year-round,” Ms Harkins said. “This funding allows us to move forward with a project that has strong community support and has been years in the making. “It is shovel-ready and will deliver lasting social, economic and environmental benefits.”