A $27 million redevelopment proposal for the Nedlands Baths site, once touted by the State Government as a major tourism drawcard, appears to have fallen through the cracks.
In 2022, the State Government welcomed a multi-million-dollar proposal to redevelop JoJo’s jetty at the historic Nedlands Baths site along the Swan River.
Led by Singapore-founded property developer Sevens Group, the proposal included a two-storey boutique hotel to be built over the water, that would have included a function centre, restaurant, café, bar, public amenities and a protected marina.
At the time, then tourism minister now Premier Roger Cook called it a project of “state significance” that would become an “iconic attraction for visitors from around the world.”
“The development of tourism attractions such as this will help showcase Perth and Western Australia as a must-visit destination, as we prepare to welcome the return of visitors from around the world,” Mr Cook said.
Three years later and no update is anywhere in sight.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, which leases and manage the site, claims it has not received a development application following the 2022 announcement.
Camera IconJoJo’s Cafe at Nedlands baths. Credit: Facebook/Jojo’s Cafe/RegionalHUB
“The decision to redevelop the site is a consideration of the lessee, Sevens Group,” a DBCA spokesperson said.
“Any redevelopment would require assessment and approval under the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act.”
A Sevens Group spokesperson declined to comment, stating “at this stage, we are not in a position to provide comment to the media regarding Jo-Jo’s.”
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby and the department also declined to comment.
It comes amid growing pressure from user groups part of Safety on Swan which have combined their voices to campaign to revitalise JoJo’s jetty into an alternative location for the State Government’s planned $29.9 million Matilda Bay ferry terminal.
Camera IconTourism Minister Reece Whitby. Credit: Stuart Quinn/The West Australian
The Safety on Swan campaign spokeswoman Megan Bagworth said building a hospitality precinct at the Nedlands Baths site would give the location more credibility as a more suitable alternative to the ferry terminal.
“It is not expected that a hospitality-led redevelopment – including a restaurant, café, bar and public amenities – would adversely impact river use or transport planning in the area,” she said.
“There are established examples of successful co-location along the Swan River, such as Mend Street Jetty, where transport infrastructure operates alongside local businesses and contributes to precinct vibrancy.
“Given the existing Nedlands Jetty already adjoins the JoJo’s site, there is a clear opportunity for tourism and hospitality outcomes to align with broader transport planning, supporting local businesses and increasing foot traffic.”
Although the jetty is still operational, the former cafe and restaurant was closed in 2022, before it was handed over to Sevens Group, and has since remained vacant.
Ms Bagworth said locals still hoped to see the site revitalised.
“The JoJo’s redevelopment was positioned as a major tourism initiative, and it would be positive to see that vision progress,” she said.
“Regardless of the outcome … we would like to see the UWA–QEII improvement scheme provide a clear plan for the site that prioritises community use and recognises its history as a well-loved gathering place.”