The Esplanade, Geraldton Foreshore by Crothers Construction

Updated: 25 Aug 2014
Localista Team

This iconic site has been cleverly transformed into a popular tourist destination and proud landmark for Geraldton.

The Esplanade and lookout anchor the west end of Geraldton's Foreshore, ideally located on the Eastern Breakwater of the city's bustling port.

Crothers Construction, in conjunction with architects Blackwell & Associates, was contracted by the City of Greater Geraldton to engineer and construct this urban masterpiece. The development was named The Esplanade after the historic Esplanade Jetty, which stood on the site from 1858 to 1944, servicing ships to and from Geraldton.

At the northern end of the newly constructed Esplanade is the nautical-themed feature steel shade and viewing platform, which offers panoramic views of the city.

The steel structure, with its inclined columns and circular layout set on its 20m-deep piled foundation, was a technically demanding element of the project both to fabricate and erect. The narrow site's restricted access also presented logistical challenges, which the building team had to overcome throughout the construction process. At the southern end of The Esplanade is a picnic and barbecue area with shaded picnic tables and grassed area.

The project was very well received by the Geraldton public when it opened on its expected completion date, and was declared "a great civic development for the people of Geraldton and the people who visit the city" by the Premier of Western Australia, the Hon. Colin Barnett.

The Esplanade has become an iconic landmark for Geraldton, and a popular spot for tourists.

PROJECT PROFILE

THE ESPLANADE, GERALDTON FORESHORE
BUILDER | Crothers Construction Pty Ltd
ARCHITECT | Blackwell & Associates
BRIEF | Extend the popular city foreshore development to allow public access for leisure, and provide spectacular viewing of the city's bustling port area.
BUDGET | $2.6million
FEATURES | Showpiece urban landscaping, barbecue and picnic facilities, viewing platform offering panoramic harbour views.
LOCATION | Geraldton Foreshore

The Esplanade, Geraldton Foreshore by Crothers Construction - Localista