Yanchep Lagoon Foreshore redevelopment takes major step forward

The long-awaited transformation of the Yanchep Lagoon foreshore has taken a major step forward, with infrastructure service upgrades given the go-ahead.

At its last council meeting, the City of Wanneroo awarded $1.35 million in contracts for upgrades along Brazier Road, marking the commencement of tangible infrastructure works in the precinct.

The works will see essential utilities installed, paving the way for a Dome cafe at the Old Yanchep Surf Lifesaving Club to be built.

Wanneroo councillor Alex Figg, who represents the North ward, which includes Yanchep, described the project as a major milestone for the precinct.

“It’s excellent to see it progressing to a stage where we’re going to see some real works on the ground,” Cr Fig said during the council meeting.

“The upgrade of the Orion Cafe was a fantastic result for the community, but this really paves the way, so to speak, for a really significant amount of work that is going to be happening in the area.”

Mayor Linda Aitken also said the upgrades marked an important step in delivering the long-term vision for Yanchep Lagoon.

“I was originally a councillor for up that way when we started the master plan many years ago, and we can’t wait until we get the Dome open up there and we start realising what’s happening once we’ve got the services up there,” Ms Aitken said.

“We need the infrastructure there before it can happen.”

The upgrades are expected to take about a year, beginning in June 2026 and due for completion by mid-2027.

This month, the city also released the draft Yanchep Lagoon Foreshore Management Plan, now open for public feedback, which outlines further proposed developments across the precinct.

The plan includes proposals for a Beach Bar at The Settlement, a Family Cafe at Fisherman’s Hollow, a boardwalk linking The Settlement and Mary Lindsay Homestead, and new walkways and lookouts at Dune Park.

It also includes plans for about 300sqm of retail space next to the existing Orion Cafe, intended for five small specialty shops, such as a delicatessen or ice cream shop.

Two conservation areas have also been proposed within the master plan, aimed at protecting “sensitive coastal environments”.

According to the City of Wanneroo, the foreshore plan aims “to create greater opportunities for tourism, recreation, and economic growth”, while “staying true to its coastal character and grounded vision”.

A city spokesperson said some of these public works could be under way later this year, pending approval.

“Yanchep Lagoon is one of Perth’s most treasured coastal destinations and the draft Foreshore Management Plan is about planning carefully for its future as the area continues to grow,” the spokesperson said.

“The plan explores how the foreshore can better support community use for recreation, tourism and local business, while protecting the lagoon’s character and unique natural environment for generations to come.”

As the lagoon’s foreshore faces ongoing erosion, with about 2000 tonnes of sand renourishment required each year, any development in the area is planned outside the 2070 erosion vulnerability line.

Parking upgrades in the area have already been funded by the city, with detailed design and planning now under way for delivery in 2026.

Consultation on the draft Yanchep Lagoon Foreshore Management Plan is open until Sunday, February 8.

The council will then consider submissions and either endorse or amend the plan before seeking final approval from the Western Australian Planning Commission.