New City Deal to create jobs and transform Perth

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The $1.5 billion deal will re-energise Perth, bring investment into the CBD and create jobs.
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A new billion-dollar partnership between the Commonwealth Government, WA Government and City of Perth has been finalised, unlocking economic benefits and opportunities for the Perth CBD.

The $1.5 billion City Deal will re-energise Perth, bring government and private investment into the CBD, create almost 10,000 jobs, and encourage more people back into the city, which will create flow on economic benefits for small businesses.

The Perth City Deal includes:

  • $695 million investment by the Commonwealth Government, State Government and Edith Cowan University to move its law and business schools, and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts into the Perth CBD. More than 9,200 students and staff are anticipated on campus from day one.
  • $360 million investment from the State Government, Curtin University and Murdoch University to expand or establish new presences in the Perth CBD:
    • Murdoch University will create a vertical campus and eSports Stadium linked with Singapore and East Asia
    • Curtin University will build a CBD knowledge and innovation precinct.
  • $105 million to the Perth Greater CBD Transport Plan to upgrade cycling and walking infrastructure, bus stop accessibility upgrades and enhance Roe Street. The centrepiece of this plan is the new Swan River Causeway Bridge.
  • $20 million investment into the Perth Cultural Centre precinct for improvements and long-term vision development
  • $42 million to develop Perth Concert Hall into a world-class music venue
  • Up to $100 million to redevelop the WACA, including an inner-city swimming pool
  • $20 million for the East Perth Power Station to upgrade necessary infrastructure and improve connectivity to the site
  • $36 million to provide facilities, safety improvements and services for homeless people in the city
  • $18 million for the creation of an Australian Space Robotics, Automation and AI Command Control Complex
  • $10 million towards a WA Indigenous Business and Employment Hub in partnership with the Wirrpanda Foundation
  • $4 million to undertake a pre-feasibility study for an Aboriginal Cultural Centre to be located in Perth on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people.

Under this plan, more than 25,000 students and staff will be brought into the city and the construction of the university campuses will bring over $1 billion of investment to Perth’s CBD. It is estimated this will create more than 4,100 construction jobs and nearly 1,000 ongoing direct jobs.

The relocation of Edith Cowan University will also make way for Mount Lawley Senior High School to expand into the current campus, as part of a plan to transition the school into specialist performing and visual arts facilities.

Mount Lawley Senior High School currently offers approved specialist programs in jazz music, and visual and performing arts.

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