Support for redevelopment of Swan River foreshore land

24/6/93

Two areas of vacant and degraded foreshore land fronting the Swan River, east of Perth, have taken a step closer to getting a new lease of life.

The State Government has thrown its support behind the Ascot Fields redevelopment plans for the Belmont Peninsula and the Bayswater Riverside Gardens improvement of foreshore land on the opposite side of the river.

Planning Minister Richard Lewis said today that both proposals were exciting initiatives that had the potential to become premier tourist and recreational attractions.

Mr Lewis said Cabinet had agreed to the proposals and would be asking the Commonwealth Government for $6 million under its Building Better Cities program to see them completed.

He said $5 million would be spent on the Ascot Fields redevelopment on State Planning Commission-owned land behind Ascot racecourse - once the site of the old Bristile brick factory.

Plans for the area include a housing development for up to 550 homes, community and recreational facilities, a hotel, shops, cafes and restaurants.

"This development will open up a part of the Swan River that is currently inaccessible to the public, and will provide swimming, boating and other recreational activities," Mr Lewis said.

"Not only will the area be upgraded, this development will provide a tremendous boost for the local economy and job opportunities in the area."

Mr Lewis said the money from the Commonwealth would be in addition to the $6.5 million the State Government had already spent on the land.

He said the proposal also included extensive conservation, parkland and wetland reserves aimed at protecting local wildlife.

"Much of the area directly fronting the river will be set aside as either conservation reserve or as parkland," the Minister said.

Mr Lewis said a further $1 million of the Building Better Cities money would be used on plans to develop a former rubbish tip site in the City of Bayswater.

The City of Bayswater wanted to transform the 21 hectare foreshore site - between the Swan River and Guildford Road - into a major recreational and historical precinct.

The plans included a bird sanctuary, a sheltered swimming cove, a wooden boardwalk, cycle paths and a labyrinth and lookout.

"This proposal will at last give the people living in the area direct access to the river and a recreational spot that will eventually link in with historic Ellis and Halliday homes," Mr Lewis said.

Media contact: Paul Plowman 222 9595 : 221 1377