Regeneration begins at the East Perth Power Station

2/7/04
Works to clean up and stabilise the historic East Perth Power Station will begin on Monday, as the State Government delivers on its pre-election promise to restore the classic industrial masterpiece on the banks of the Swan River.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the site works, to be managed by the East Perth Redevelopment Authority (EPRA), would start on Monday, July 5 and take a year to complete.
"The East Perth Power Station is one of our most significant industrial heritage buildings and the State Government is committed to preserving this important asset for future generations," Ms MacTiernan said.
"It has the potential to be a very beautiful structure.
"In November last year, the Government committed $10.9million to prevent further deterioration to the site.
"Up until that time, no work had been done at the Power Station since its closure in 1981."
Funding for the works program is made up of $7.88million from Western Power and $3.02million from the Government's Consolidated Fund.
Works will occur in three phases, with phase one - environmental remediation by Western Power at an additional cost of $1.2million - near completion.
"Phase two, which will start on Monday, will involve cleaning up the site, removing broken glass and concrete and other loose debris," the Minister said.
Phase three will involve building stabilisation works, to start in September, which will see the undergrounding of high voltage power lines, removal of asbestos roofing and replacement with new sheeting, removal of crumbling concrete, replacement of windows, painting and foreshore landscaping.
Ms MacTiernan said an adaptive re-use for the power station buildings had not yet been decided, but it had been identified that the site would be best used for civic and cultural purposes.
"Arts Minister Sheila McHale is very interested in the site," she said.
"Although we are still looking at options for the power station's end use, the Government will consider all proposals and suggestions for the site."
The Minister said EPRA had started on the preparation of a draft masterplan for the whole site, which would be released later in the year for a three-month broad community consultation period.
It would look at a range of issues to do with the site, including traffic and transport, environment, heritage and infrastructure, with the masterplan to be finalised by the end of the year.
"EPRA has held some preliminary meetings with local interest groups to assist in the shaping of a draft masterplan and when this is released, I encourage everyone with an interest in the site to have a look, and to have their say," Ms MacTiernan said.
Throughout the East Perth Power Station project - including site works and the masterplanning phase - interested community members can obtain information from a dedicated website http://www.eastperthpowerstation.com.au
Minister's office: 9213 6400