Next stage of $880million Riverside project signed off

The 40ha Riverside project to bring the eastern end of the city to the foreshore has taken another step forward with Planning Minister John Day signing off Scheme Amendment 23.

Mr Day said the decision would allow for further development of Riverside in line with the 2008 Master Plan vision.

"Riverside will bring the city to the river and provide a unique eastern entry statement for Perth's visitors and residents," he said.

"It will reinvigorate the city and create a bustling, vibrant place with entertainment, commercial, retail, civic and residential uses that take advantage of its fantastic location.

"The State Government is investing $130million in the project, which is expected to stimulate private investment of more than $750million.

"Once completed, Riverside will create more than 3,400 new dwellings for 5,800 residents and 81,000sqm of commercial and retail floor space for approximately 1,700 workers."

The zoning allows private developers, like the WACA and its partner Ascot Capital Ventures, to progress planning and development of their sites.

WACA chief executive officer Graeme Wood said he was excited about the Riverside development and was keen to progress its plans for the famous cricket grounds.

"The WACA is currently working on plans with its joint venture partner Ascot Capital Limited including an eight to 10 storey commercial development on the western side of the WACA grounds; redevelopment of the stadium stands; and a significant mixed-use development of the north-east corner of the site," Mr Wood said.

"We have been meeting with EPRA to progress these plans and expect to lodge a development application shortly."

Riverside will be a sustainable urban community delivering positive environmental, social and economic outcomes to the State including:

·             pedestrian and cyclist-friendly neighbourhoods

·             environmentally-designed buildings

·             a variety of medium to high-density dwellings

·             new commercial and retail spaces

·             a public outdoor swimming pool

·             waterfront open spaces, parks and wetlands

·             public art celebrating the natural beauty and heritage of the area.

Design Guidelines for the four-hectare Waterbank precinct have also been finalised. EPRA will commence work on a further Scheme Amendment to introduce planning requirements for the Hillside and WA Police precincts in coming months. Design Guidelines for the remaining precincts are also being finalised before public consultation.

More information about Riverside is available at http://www.epra.wa.gov.au/Projects/Riverside/