State Government paves the way for regeneration of Stirling City Centre

The transfer of 11ha of State-owned land in Stirling to the Western Australian Planning Commission will kick-start plans for an integrated city centre around the Stirling train station and the Innaloo retail precinct.

Planning Minister John Day today announced the transfer and said it was necessary for the land to be under the authority of a single agency to enable efficient planning and co-ordination of the Stirling city centre development.

"Better management of State lands is part of a long-term State Government priority to accommodate population growth in Western Australia through new commercial and residential space that will attract investment," Mr Day said.

"The proposed Stirling City Centre is an exciting vision of urban regeneration that will accommodate an additional 25,000 residents and 30,000 jobs.

"It will be a people-friendly urban centre that mixes affordable residential housing with commercial and retail ventures, and which is close to public transport."

Projects earmarked as part of the centre's regeneration include:

·          the construction of Stephenson Avenue with priority public transport

·          a retail expansion of Innaloo shopping centre

·          the provision of affordable housing and office space near the train station.

This decision follows the State Government's $5.5million contribution to the project, announced in the State Budget last month. This is in addition to $3million from the City of Stirling.

"Detailed studies, including environmental analysis and feasibility modelling, over the next three years will identify the best course of action to develop the Stirling City Centre as well as ways to encourage investment in the area," the Minister said.

Scarborough MLA Liza Harvey said she was delighted to see the project progressing.

"The Government's commitment to the Stirling City Centre is the strategic key to unlocking major retail, commercial and high density residential development outside of the CBD," Mrs Harvey said.

"With the community already on board as a key part of the project delivery team, locals are looking forward to seeing the area transformed over the coming years."

A small portion of the land close to the train station could be developed for housing and commercial accommodation during the next 12 months.