State Budget 2011-12: Supporting our Community - Perth Waterfront and City Square funding continues transformation of Perth

The State Government's work to transform Perth through key urban renewal projects has received a funding boost in the 2011-12 State Budget.

The Perth City Link project will receive funding of $56.8million in the next four years to help accelerate the development of the City Square to coincide with the completion of the underground rail and bus station.

Planning Minister John Day said the funding was in addition to the $336.4million already earmarked for the rail and bus infrastructure and the $270million allocated to the Perth Waterfront project.

"The future growth of Perth is about creating a unique sense of place and a distinctive Perth character which reconnects our city through carefully planned development," Mr Day said.

"The Perth City Link project will reconnect the city centre with Northbridge by sinking part of the Fremantle rail line and Wellington Street Bus Station and delivering high quality commercial, residential and public spaces.

"Work will start on the Waterfront project as soon as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is over, with major public works expected to be completed by the end of 2014.  The total cost to Government is estimated at $270million."

The Minister said the State Government was delivering major social infrastructure to transform the city and accommodate its rapidly growing population while creating new opportunities to live, work and recreate in the city centre.

"The Government aims to ensure Western Australia continues to mature into a contemporary, liveable and globally competitive State for future generations," he said.

"Perth City Link and the Perth Waterfront are two of Australia's most exciting city projects which will increase intensity and activity in the city and redefine the way many West Australians and visitors interact with our city."

In the next four years, the East Perth Redevelopment Authority (EPRA) will also spend $18.6million to continue the activation and revitalisation of the Perth Cultural Centre, and $64.4million to fund redevelopment works and land acquisition in the Riverside project area.

Further improvement works will occur in the Perth Cultural Centre - continuing the transformation of the area.  The Perth Cultural Centre will take centre stage during CHOGM as the 'People's Space', playing host to four days of activity and entertainment for the people of Perth and visitors.

EPRA's Riverside project will help transform the city's eastern gateway into a vibrant new waterfront destination.  Forward works have started on the flagship four hectare riverfront site, adjacent to the WACA and the Causeway, with the successful developer of the site to be chosen in mid-2011.

Minister's office - 9213 6600

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