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Bids invited for Rottnest revamp

Bids invited for Rottnest revamp

Rottnest Island authorities want the private sector to revitalise the island's 80-year-old army barracks, with the potential for new accommodation, function centres and a restaurant within the heritage-listed site.

In an advertisement appearing in _The West Australian _ today, the Rottnest Island Authority is seeking expressions of interest to establish "innovative commercial, retail and accommodation operations" at Kingstown Barracks.

It says it is a unique opportunity to "revitalise the precinct", which is in "one of WA's most pristine tourist environments".

The barracks are about 1km from the island's main settlement in Thomson Bay.

They were used by the Australian army during World War II. In recent years they have been predominately used for educational visits and camps by students.

The latest move could lead to the authority handing over responsibility for accommodation at the barracks to a private operator.

The authority is responsible for all accommodation operations on the island, except for the Rottnest Lodge and the Rottnest Hotel.

Authority chief executive Paolo Amaranti said the move was about creating new and better experiences on the island.

"We believe this area has enormous potential," he said.