Redevelopment of Riverside Gardens in Bayswater

13/4/94

Planning Minister Richard Lewis today officially launched the commencement of works for the redevelopment of Riverside Gardens in Bayswater.

Riverside Gardens is a $3.5 million foreshore rejuvenation project which is being funded as part of the joint State and Federal Governments Building Better Cities agreement.

The Minister said the rehabilitation of the former rubbish tip site was aimed at improving public access to the Swan River.

"This project will at last give the people living in the Bayswater area direct access to the river and a recreational spot which will be the envy of people living in other riverside suburbs," Mr Lewis said.

"Once completed, this development will become a major recreational and tourist attraction which will serve as a showpiece for similar developments along the river."

Plans for Riverside Gardens include a bird sanctuary, a sheltered swimming cove, a wooden boardwalk, cycle paths, a labyrinth and a lookout.

The City of Bayswater is contributing $2.5 million and the Federal Government $1 million towards the project.

Riverside Gardens is part of the Perth Urban Area Strategy, which also includes the development of Ascot Fields on the other side of the river in Belmont.

Mr Lewis said redevelopment of the 21-hectare Riverside Gardens site was expected to take about three years to complete.

Media contact:  Paul Plowman 222 9595