Release of designs for Swan Bells for public comment [Audio]

21/5/99
The State Government today released for public comment two designs for Western Australia's Millennium Project, the Swan Bells, as part of an ongoing plan to rejuvenate and beautify the city's foreshore and give Western Australians and tourists greater access to the area.
Unveiling the drawings today, Premier Richard Court said there had been careful consideration by the architects following the release of the Barrack Square Redevelopment Masterplan last year and there would now be a further two weeks for people to make submissions on two options for the final design of the Swan Bells.
Mr Court said there was overwhelming support from the community to reconnect the city with the Swan River and for more facilities and attractions on the riverfront close to the city.
"WA's Millennium Project, the Swan Bells, will deliver a unique world-class attraction that will be a focal point for community and tourism activities on the foreshore and the Barrack Square Redevelopment," the Premier said.
Public comment also favoured providing a home for the historic 18 Bells of St Martin-in-the-Fields, which were 600 years old and presented to the people of Perth to commemorate the Australian Bicentennial.
Mr Court said the Bells of St Martin's were already a significant State asset. However, their social and economic value would be greatly enhanced with the investment of $5.5 million in the construction of a state-of-the-art bell tower to properly house and display them.
It was estimated that between 1,500 and 2,000 people would visit the bell tower each day when it was completed.
"The Government values the input of the community in realising a final bell tower design which is both practical and supported by the people of WA," the Premier said.
"The need to link the design of the bell tower to Barrack Square's history as a boat-building centre, and a desire for the material used to be sympathetic to the surroundings, have been highlighted as part of the public consultation process.
"As a result, design modifications to the bell tower have significantly strengthened the structure's connection with the Swan River environment.
"Copper cladding in the shape of sails will be used to give the building a warm look and to blend with the natural environment as it weathered."
The structure's new high-technology glass spire offers a more delicate appearance and represents the excellence of
WA's design manufacturing and engineering industries.
Mr Court said another important addition to the bell tower in response to public comment was a viewing deck on the city side of the structure to allow panoramic views of the city skyline.
"While the design of the bell tower has been modified in response to the public submissions, it remains a contemporary building," he said.
"It will be a strikingly original landmark that is instantly identifiable and will become an icon of Perth."
Mr Court said the first stage of the redevelopment of Barrack Square, to be completed by the end of 2000, would begin the process of maximising the community's use and enjoyment of the Swan River in a way that had never been achievable before.
The first stage includes two new double-storey jetty pavilions with state-of-the-art ferry terminals, including shops and public facilities at ground level and restaurants and function facilities on the upper level; new mooring facilities for pleasure craft and private boats and a water feature linking the bell tower with the Swan River.
The cost of the components of Stage I include:

• WA's Millennium Project, the Swan Bells $5.5 million
• pavilions $4.1 million
• jetties $7.3 million
• landscaping $1.2 million
• fees and contingencies $1.1 million.

Mr Court said the remainder of the planned redevelopment project, including a children's beach pool, lap pool, tourist centre, Barrack Street water feature and the proposed undergrounding of Riverside Drive, would be considered at a later stage.
"Stage I of the project allows for the development of a major inner-city precinct with great appeal for both locals and visitors and a bell tower that will become a future symbol for Perth," the Premier said.
"This is a very exciting project which will reap many rewards for all Western Australians as we enter the new millennium."
The two revised designs for the Swan Bells project will be on public display in the foyer of the Perth City Council from Monday, May 24 to Friday, June 4. Additionally, the Barrack Square Redevelopment web page www.wa.gov.au/watc/barracksquare is a further source of information about the project.
Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 92229975
"I believe that the way in which they have incorporated the new bell structure into the Barrack Square Redevelopment really does reflect the very strong link that this area has with the Swan River." (332kb/15secs)
"The end result will be a Barrack Square Redevelopment which will be an entrance to our city of which we can all be incredibly proud." (231kb/11secs)
"We have deliberately had extensive consultation and today we are going out for further consultation following the architects presenting their plans as a result of public comment when we went out last year." (324kb/15secs)