Media Statements - Major infrastructure project to revolutionise the Perth City foreshore

13/2/08

Premier Alan Carpenter has today committed the State Government to a spectacular redevelopment of the CBD’s Swan River foreshore.

Speaking at a business lunch today, Mr Carpenter unveiled the stunning concept designs for the Perth Waterfront project, set to create an exciting business, tourism, residential, entertainment and activity hub for locals and visitors to enjoy.

The Premier also announced $9million to commence initial land development works this year on the Northbridge Link project, with completion expected in 2012.

This follows last week’s announcement that the Government would build the $1.1billion outdoor stadium at Subiaco and a $506million museum at the East Perth Power Station site.

Mr Carpenter said Stage One of the Perth Waterfront project would transform the Esplanade and waterfront between William Street and Barrack Square.

Specifically, the State Government would undertake significant engineering and earth works, road realignments, landscaping and create a new water’s edge in preparation for private sector investment.

The concept designs, created by a consortium headed by national firm Ashton Raggatt McDougall, reorient the city towards the waterfront and bring new life to an under-utilised area. It follows a $2million detailed feasibility study done in May last year.

Planning for the Waterfront project will begin immediately and will be subject to an extensive design and approvals process.

It is expected that major works for Stage One will commence during 2011-12, with completion expected in 2015. The total cost is estimated at this stage to be about $300million, and is expected to be recouped through land sales.

The State Government will hold discussions with the City of Perth to determine the city’s contribution to the project.

“The Perth Waterfront project will activate the river frontage, creating an activity hot spot, both day and night, for local residents as well as visitors to enjoy,” Mr Carpenter said.

“The first stage of the project will transform the Esplanade and the waterfront between William Street and Barrack Square into a round-the-clock activity precinct.

“The most notable thing about the Perth Waterfront development is its generous, well-designed public spaces with unrestricted public access to the riverfront.”

The new Esplanade precinct features two major public places: Esplanade Square and Esplanade Circle.

The square is designed to capture and enhance the bustle of the city while the circle is about the beauty of the river.

Together, the square and the 500m circumference circle will give the best of the river experience and the best of the city in the same place.

The Premier said public transport was the key to the success of the project.

“This project has the advantage of brilliant public transport access with a bus port and ferry terminal both on site,” he said.

“Of course, we also have the new underground Esplanade station on site, built as part of the Government’s $1.66billion New MetroRail project - the biggest-ever public infrastructure undertaking in WA.”

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the State’s stellar economic performance was attracting people to Perth from cities all over the world, many with their own active waterfront precincts and bustling central business districts.

“The quality of the city experience is crucial to our continued growth and economic success,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“If we are to be a competitive global city we have to deliver first class public space.

“The Perth Waterfront project will play a major role in this, enhancing the city experience for locals and visitors to Perth.

“Perth is changing and more high intensity active spaces are needed to meet community aspirations.

“A much-enhanced Supreme Court Gardens will extend towards the Perth Concert Hall, providing a large space for major public events such as ANZAC day commemorations, major concerts and visiting performances.

“The future development of Stage Two will offer a mixture of hotels, apartments, offices, restaurants and cafes linked by footpaths and bike lanes along Mounts Bay.”

The Perth Waterfront project is a significant part of the State Government’s massive $25billion infrastructure commitment, which also includes the Fiona Stanley Hospital, the Albany Entertainment Centre, AK Reserve and Perry Lakes redevelopment, Perth Arena and Northbridge Performing Arts Centre.

The community is encouraged to visit http://www.perthwaterfront.com.au to view the design and comment before March 25.

Premier’s office - 9222 9475
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure's office - 9213 6400