23/8/05
Another neglected slice of East Perth will be given a new lease of life with the announcement of a winning tender for a $8.695million housing development.
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan said an under-utilised site opposite the railway station in Summers Street would be transformed by Universal Constructions Pty Ltd into a park and public housing.
“This development will screen an unsightly bus-wash facility, as well as providing an attractive open space and much needed public housing close to public transport,” Mr Logan said.
“The plans represent a triumph for a number of parties which came together as one, to find a good urban planning solution responsive to the needs of the local community.
“City of Perth councillors, West Australian Government Railways Commission and East Perth Redevelopment Authority representatives, Perth MLA John Hyde (then mayor of Vincent), the Department of Housing and Works and the Norwood Park Action Group co-operated together to reach the best possible agreement.”
Mr Logan said Universal Constructions had recently completed the Fremantle Cold Stores (Fletcher Mews) Homeswest project that had been nominated for a construction award from the Master Builders’ Association.
Morley Davis Architects had prepared the concept plans in consultation with local residents, the City of Perth and various Government authorities.
The plans included a mix of three and four storey units overlooking a compact, low maintenance park that would become known as ‘Norwood Park’.
The Minister said urban streetscape design, density, pedestrian connections, noise and park maintenance were some of the factors addressed in the planning stages of the development.
He said the Gallop Government was committed to improving the quality of services to all Western Australians, wherever they lived.
Mr Hyde said the announcement was a great victory for local residents, especially after battling the Court Liberal Government, which refused to create a local park.
“Residents only reluctantly accepted the bus-wash facility on the understanding that a Labor Government would provide affordable housing and a new park,” he said.
Minister's office: 9222 8950
