The Port Hedland Seafarers Centre is a new project currently under construction, aimed at supporting the wellbeing of visiting seafarers and enhancing their experience while in port.
This FAQ page provides answers to common questions about the project, including funding, construction timelines, access impacts and what the completed Centre will offer to both seafarers and the broader Port Hedland community.
Pilbara Ports is managing the design, tender and construction of the new Centre. Contract for the construction of the Seafarers Centre awarded to Benchmark Construction and Building.
The $21 million cost of the new centre will be funded by Pilbara Ports, with the costs recouped over time from iron ore customers: BHP, Fortescue, Hancock Iron Ore, and Mineral Resources.
The building will be managed by the Port Hedland Peace Memorial Seafarers Centre.
Following a thorough evaluation process, Pilbara Ports closed the tender for the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre in April 2025 without awarding a preferred tenderer, as the submissions received did not represent value for money.
Pilbara Ports has worked with the Port Hedland Peace Memorial Seafarers Centre to revise the building design to ensure it can be delivered with the available funding.
Pilbara Ports continues to work with Port Hedland Peace Memorial Seafarers to ensure building designs and delivery stays within budget while still meeting the original scope.
ilbara Ports started construction in May 2026 and plans to complete the project within 18 months.
The commercial jetty carpark adjacent to the public and commercial jetty wharves will be closed for the duration of the construction, from May 2026 to September 2027. Pedestrian access will be maintained for both wharves via a waterfront pathway.
The design encourages public interaction and integrates with the surrounding area, providing an opportunity for increased awareness and support of the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre within the wider community.
The community will have access to the retail space, dining facilities and hire of meeting rooms. The design addresses the West End Improvement Scheme #1 requirements by encouraging public interaction and enhancing public place design.