Glamping tents, two-storey pods and a four-bedroom lodge included in Frenchman Bay tourism proposal

A three-week window to have your say on a proposed tourism development at Frenchman Bay has opened.

The City of Albany published documents detailing the proposed tourism development of lots 1 and 2 Frenchman Bay Road on its website on Monday.

The stage one plans include a four-bedroom lodge, a 100-person capacity function room, an alfresco area, six two-storey pod units, a bespoke barn retreat containing four studio apartments, six glamping tents, a studio refuge, a shed and a garage.

Accommodation in the lodge would allow for up to eight guests, with each bedroom having its own ensuite and shared kitchen, dining and living spaces.

The pod units would be pre-fabricated and 5.5m by 5.5m spaces, with a bedroom upstairs and living space downstairs coupled with a view over Frenchman Bay.

Units in the barn retreat would be 3m by 4.5m, each with their own small deck facing the bay.

The six glamping tents, which would be located on the western portion of lot 2, would each have their own bedroom and bathroom.

Details about the history of the site, a detailed site analysis, technical considerations and how the proposal sits within the existing planning framework are also included in the development application documents.

Taylor Burrell Barnett submitted the application for the $5 million development on behalf of Frenchman Bay Albany Pty Ltd in December.

FBA director Paul King has had a long-time interest in redeveloping the site of the former Frenchman Bay Caravan Park, which closed in 2006, and the neighbouring lot 2 even before he purchased them in January 2021.

He has previously indicated an intent to develop luxury accommodation at the site in two stages and sought support from the City of Albany council last year to have the local development plan amended to pave the way for his proposal.

The application states the proponents believe the development will deliver a “high-quality design outcome that is a point of difference to nearby holiday accommodation due to its remoteness, unparalleled location and modern design and typologies”.

“To ensure minimal disruption along the Albany Coastline, the development has carefully curated materials to evoke earthy tones and textures that seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape,” it states.

Submissions can be made via the City’s website until the public comment period closes on February 12.

Public comments will help shape a recommendation made by City officers to the Regional Joint Development Panel, which will determine if the project is given the go ahead.