Hotel proposal in Manjimup gets the nod

Plans for a new hotel development have been approved for a vacant block in the heart of Manjimup. The proposed accommodation on the 8423sqm lot on the corner of Rose and Giblett streets would see 78 prefabricated units built by Manjimup Investments, as well as a clubhouse building to include a combined reception, bar and cafe, an indoor swimming pool, gym and small gift shop. The front of the clubhouse would also include three food vendors and an alfresco dining area. The block was designated as a short-stay accommodation site as part of the Manjimup Shire’s Town Centre Revitalisation Project a number of years ago, with Shire councillors resolving to lease the property to Manjimup Investments Pty Ltd in November 2019. The council approved planning for a design of the development in October last year but a new design was recently put forward and approved at the council’s meeting on November 18. The motion passed stated a construction management plan, external lighting plan and waste management plan must all be submitted to the Shire before a building permit for the development could formally be lodged. Manjimup Shire president Paul Omodei said he believed the new accommodation would be a positive addition to the town and was not far off being able to go ahead. “It’s a really good news story for Manjimup to have a new hotel in town, adjacent to the Heritage Park and the Wellness Centre where you’ve got conference facilities,” he said. “It’ll really be a boon for the district, it’ll attract more people. “Now what needs to happen is we need an independent building surveyor to approve the building application, that’s the last step. “As soon as that’s approved they can start the earthworks.” Cr Omodei said the accommodation was aimed at housing tourists and would give more options for people travelling through the region. “I think more people will come to Manjimup when they know there’s available accommodation,” he said. “What this will do is attract maybe a lot of conventions. The other thing is people will come and stay maybe for a week and visit the rest of the shire, or alternatively can go to Pemberton or Northcliffe or Walpole. “I’m quite pleased about the outcome and the result and I think it’s something that, I’m hoping, when it’s finished it’s something we can be proud of.” As it stands, the public will be allowed access to the food vendors but the rest of the clubhouse facilities, including the bar, cafe, pool and gym will be strictly for guests only.