Innovative master plan to re-develop former Midland workshops

25/10/96

Premier Richard Court today presented the State Government's innovative master plan to breathe new life into the former Midland Railway Workshops.

Incorporating a mix of educational, business, community, recreational and heritage precincts, the plan will transform one of Australia's most substantial examples of turn-of-the-century railway workshop complexes.

All sites and structures which have important heritage value will be preserved and restored and a landscaped boulevard will link the 80ha site with Midland Town Centre via Helena Street to existing bus and rail transport, local businesses and community facilities.

The plan has been applauded by the Heritage Council, which worked closely with the Government Property Office and heritage groups in developing the concept.

The workshops closed as a Government railway manufacturing and maintenance centre in 1994 after 80 years' operation.

The Premier said a central part of the plan was a university campus.

"Edith Cowan University and Midland TAFE have been sharing facilities on the site since the beginning of the year, however the Government will spend $275,000 renovating and refurbishing the laboratory building for the university's exclusive use," he said.

"The laboratory will be used to expand the university's courses in 1997 to include business, arts, health services, education and science to meet the growing needs of the Midland and Swan Valley communities."

Details of the Commonwealth Government's commitment to fund further development of university education at Midland were expected to be released at the end of this year.

A collaborative project, involving more than one Perth university with electronic linkage to existing campuses, was one option being considered.

"The overall master plan aims to bring further life back to the site," Mr Court said.

"The Government has also offered Block 3 to the Australian Railway Historical Society, where it can temporarily store and protect its valuable heritage rolling stock while deciding its long-term plans."

The Machinery Preservation Society has already established its club in the heritage core comprising the Power House, Copper Shop and Pattern Shop, from where it will help maintain vintage machinery throughout the workshops.

The western end of Block 3 will be leased in the short-term to Australian Traction Corporation Pty Ltd (Austrac). Austrac will use the building to remanufacture 37 locomotives.

The Premier said the $30 million value-added project would create 20 full time jobs and about 50 indirect jobs over a two to three-year period. Austrac had also agreed to lay additional rail in Block 3 for the AHRS historic carriages.

Original, turn-of-the-century brick buildings and some of the smaller railway sheds and workshops would be adapted for reuse. Significant existing features including the Memorial to Fallen Soldiers would also be retained.

"The timing for implementing the plan has been staged to ensure development proceeds at a manageable pace with the capacity to respond to market trends and opportunities that may arise," Mr Court said.

He said the development would create a unique environment, incorporating a variety of exciting and economically-viable facilities and activities which recognised heritage value and increased community access.

A comprehensive environmental audit was being undertaken on the site. In conjunction with the Department of Environmental Protection, the Government would develop a strategy for environmental management and remediation, particularly those areas most affected by previous industrial use.

Media Contact: Casey Cahill 222 9475