Riverside development to transform Perth CBD's eastern end

The eastern end of Perth's CBD will undergo a massive transformation, with housing for 5,846 residents and commercial space for 1,704 workers as part of a projected $880million investment by the State Government and private sector.

Significant revisions of the 2004 Riverside Masterplan (formerly called Gateway) were announced today by Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan.

Ms MacTiernan said the development, which includes proposals from the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA), Western Australian Trotting Association (WATA) and Trinity College, is a reflection of Perth's growing confidence.

"The urban intensity offered through Riverside will help bring our eastern gateway alive," she said.
"The Masterplan review advocates a more flexible approach to height and density to meet the demand for inner city living, re-energise the eastern end of our city and better activate the edges of the Swan River.
"This builds on the activity already underway in the Riverside redevelopment, with 334 new apartments under construction within the Queens Precinct bordered by Hay Street, Adelaide Terrace and the WA Police Headquarters.
"You need a critical mass of residents and workers to create a hum on the street - the revisions to the Riverside Masterplan are mindful of this."

For areas yet to be developed, the review recommends street-level podium buildings of up to six levels, with taller elements up to 20 storeys set back from street edges to preserve solar access and key view corridors.

Ms MacTiernan said the reviewed Masterplan will give a new momentum to the planned WACA redevelopment, as well as the WA Trotting Association's (WATA) proposal to extend the track at Gloucester Park and put residential apartments on its fringes.
"I'm particularly pleased that cricket and trotting will be staying in the area - and this plan will help them do this while at the same time provide them with some development opportunities on the edge of their land," she said.

"These activities will continue to attract a broad cross section of the WA community, ensuring this remains a socially inclusive area."
Perth MLA John Hyde welcomed the reviewed Masterplan.

"I'm glad the plans allow for the future development of Trinity College, which for more than 40 years has influenced the character and history of Perth CBD's eastern end," Mr Hyde said.
Trinity College is currently undertaking a strategic analysis of its long term development plans.

The Riverside redevelopment is being delivered by the East Perth Redevelopment Authority in collaboration with the City of Perth, WACA, WATA and Trinity College.

"The Riverside Masterplan review incorporates the results of engagement with landowners and stakeholders over the past 18 months and responds to population growth projections, changing demographics and sustainability opportunities since it was released in 2004 as the Gateway Masterplan," the Minister said.

Ms MacTiernan said that the review also identified a need for continued focus on sustainable development outcomes and innovation. Developments at Riverside will be required to incorporate new technologies for heating and cooling; use energy efficient materials; further minimise, recycle and reuse energy, waste and water; protect the area's unique biodiversity and increase the use of public transport, walking and cycling.

"The most noticeable change in the Masterplan review are at the Waterbank precinct," the Minister said.
"We have effectively reversed the layout of Waterbank's waterway and buildings in response to detailed geotechnical and planning investigations and incorporated water reuse, energy saving and waste disposal initiatives on a scale never before adopted in Perth.
"Waterbank will have tremendous community and public facilities that will make the most of being on the banks of the Swan River."

The first Riverside residents are due to move into the Queens precinct in 2009. The Waterbank precinct is expected to be developed next and its scheme amendment and design guidelines will be available for public comment mid-year. Detailed planning for the remaining Riverside precincts will be finalised in early 2009.

Riverside is expected to involve an investment of up to $130million by the East Perth Redevelopment Authority and approximately $750million in flow-on investment by the private sector. Riverside will create more than 3,400 new residences, including about 230 affordable dwellings, for approximately 5,800 residents. Approximately 1,700 new employees will work at Riverside.

The Riverside Masterplan Review will be released for a 50-day period of key stakeholder comment.