JoJo’s Site as an Alternative Ferry Terminal
In discussions about alternatives to building a ferry terminal in the heart of Matilda Bay, the JoJo’s Restaurant site in Nedlands has been suggested as a possible location.
Land Ownership
The JoJo’s site sits on Crown Land owned by the State of Western Australia. It falls within the Swan Canning Riverpark and is managed by the Swan River Trust under the Development Control Area.
Reference: CON MEMO Nicholas Challenor – Land Ownership for JoJo’s Restaurant Site (Sept 2025)
Heritage Status
JoJo’s is part of the old Nedlands Baths and Jetty precinct, which is heritage-listed. Any redevelopment proposal would need to respect this status and undergo heritage approvals.
Past Redevelopment Proposals
In February 2022, the State Government considered a $27 million proposal from Sevens Group Pty Ltd to redevelop the site into a hotel, function centre, restaurant, café, bar, public amenities, and a protected marina. No progress has been recorded since.
Why It’s Considered
Community members have suggested JoJo’s as a better terminal site because:
- It is already a built-up and commercialised foreshore zone.
- It is outside the high-risk recreational waters of central Matilda Bay.
- It could potentially integrate with redevelopment plans and existing transport routes.
Constraints
However, the site comes with important constraints:
- Heritage listing may limit or delay development options.
- Environmental oversight by the Swan River Trust applies to all works on the foreshore.
- Contaminated Sites Act memorials are noted on adjoining Crown Land titles, which may affect approvals.
References: Certificate of Title LR3174-612 (120 Esplanade, Dalkeith), Deposited Plan 418496
Summary
JoJo’s offers a potential alternative to the central Matilda Bay terminal location. It avoids many of the immediate safety conflicts with recreational users but presents heritage and environmental complexities that would need careful management.
By presenting JoJo’s and other sites as serious alternatives, the community can ensure that decision-makers fully consider safer, more sustainable ferry terminal options.