Official reopening of Victoria St and Guppy Park, Bunbury

23/7/96

Premier Richard Court today officially re-opened Bunbury's transformed Victoria Street and Guppy Park - another milestone in the revitalisation of the city's commercial centre.

Mr Court said the transformation of the park and Victoria Street was part of the Marlston Hill project being undertaken by the State Government through LandCorp to create a cosmopolitan 'port village' near Bunbury Harbour.

"Attractive streetscaping, tree planting, improved parking facilities, median strip lighting and paving along the northern end of Victoria Street has breathed new life into Bunbury's central business district," Mr Court said.

"The redevelopment of Guppy Park has created a 'green retreat' for city workers and Marlston Hill residents to enjoy and, combined with the work done on Victoria Street, creates an attractive new environment in the central business district.

"I am sure the extensive upgrade program will also encourage new businesses and retail outlets to establish in the area."

Mr Court said that the Marlston Hill Redevelopment was a reflection of the State Government's commitment to encouraging regional centres to grow through new residential and lifestyle developments.

"The Marlston Hill project is a tangible example of this commitment focussing on the city's most important asset - people," he said. "It is breathing life back into the CBD by giving people inner city living options side by side with a new and exciting environment where the commercial and retail sectors can grow and prosper."

Mr Court said the Victoria Street re-opening and the Guppy Park redevelopment were the latest stages in the Marlston Hill project.

"This follows the successful auction of residential lots in Fraser Street and the first release of mixed use lots this month," he said.

"The result is that a vision of a truly cosmopolitan port village is being realised."

Media contact: Casey Cahill 222 9595