Take a Saturday stroll along Geraldton’s new Esplanade
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Today, (Friday 20 December 2013), Everything Geraldton checked out The Esplanade. The views are great, the accessibility for wheelchairs and prams is fantastic, and it seems The Esplanade is going to be an asset for both locals and tourists alike.
While the lookout isn't as high as one might expect, the perspective it does provide certainly shows Geraldton off nicely. On windy days visitors will be quite exposed, but the shade structures are certainly built to withstand nature's wrath.
Congratulations and thanks are in order to all involved, and this new bookend to the south eastern end of our beloved foreshore is sure to become a much loved addition.
Saturday December 21 will see the Eastern Breakwater renamed and open for public use.
The Eastern Breakwater will become known as The Esplanade, an historic reference to the Esplanade Jetty that was once located in the area, constructed in 1857-58 to service cargoes of sailing ships calling at the port.
The Esplanade Jetty – also referred to as the Promenade Jetty - was demolished in 1944.
City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said it was once a popular meeting place for the Geraldton community.
“On special occasions, such as New Year’s Day 1920, a silver coin donation admitted the public to promenade the jetty, where refreshments, ice cream and harbour boat excursions were available at the pavilion midway along the jetty,” he said.
“While we may not have that today, The Esplanade certainly offers a fantastic new view of the City and with barbecue facilities, landscaped walkways and a 360 degree viewing platform it complements and bookends our fabulous foreshore - and is the perfect place to promenade.”
The Esplanade and redeveloped Geraldton Foreshore form part of the West End Revitalisation Project.
Funding for the Eastern Breakwater project was contributed from Royalties for Regions, the Geraldton Port Authority and the City of Greater Geraldton.
