WA: Perth waterfront development plans unveiled

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2009
WA: Perth waterfront development plans unveiled

By Aleisha Preedy

PERTH, Dec 13 AAP - Plans to develop Perth's Swan River foreshore have been unveiled,
including a cable car to Kings Park and a national centre for indigenous art and culture.

Premier Colin Barnett described the plans as "ambitious".

He told reporters in Perth on Sunday the 10ha development would transform the city
into a more vibrant area for locals and tourists.

There had been several earlier plans to develop the foreshore, but "the difference
is, this one will happen," the premier said

The state government has committed $250 million for the initial works, but Mr Barnett
said he expected funds from the Commonwealth, City of Perth and in particular, the private
sector, for what will be "the best real estate in Australia."

Construction is due to start in 2012.

The centrepiece will be a 2.8ha inlet to be built on the river and include a swinging
pedestrian bridge, parkland and 360 degree views of the city.

Surrounding the inlet will be an area designed for cafes, pubs and shops and hotels,
and further out residential and business buildings.

Mr Barnett said he showed the plans to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd last week and discussed
building a national centre for indigenous art in the area.

The project has the backing of the City of Perth with Mayor Lisa Scaffidi saying the
sooner it is developed the better.

With the area to be pedestrian friendly, traffic would be diverted from Riverside Drive
to the Graham Farmer Freeway, where peak hours congestion is already common.

But planning minister John Day said traffic would still flow behind the development
and public transport, including river ferries, would play a dominate role.

Mr Barnett said planners had looked at other successful Australian waterfront developments
in Brisbane and Circular Quay in NSW.

Building the waterfront development is due to coincide with the ambitious $500 million
Northbridge Link plan, which will see the city also grow north over the railway.

AAP ap/it

KEYWORD: PERTH WATERFRONT (PIX AND VIDEO AVAILABLE)

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