28/8/04
Perth's cultural precinct will be given a makeover under a State Government plan to bring life and confidence back to this important State asset.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan and Culture and the Arts Minister Sheila McHale today announced that the East Perth Redevelopment Authority's boundaries would be extended to cover the cultural precinct.
"The area has a reputation for being sterile and unsafe - we need to deliver a better connection between the Cultural Centre, the Northbridge entertainment precinct, the Perth Train Station and the city's retail core," Ms MacTiernan said.
Minister for Culture and the Arts Sheila McHale said the Perth Cultural Centre Precinct was home to some of the State's most significant cultural institutions including the Art Gallery of WA, the State Library and the WA Museum.
Ms MacTiernan said EPRA would look at options to build on the site's linkages with Northbridge and the city.
"EPRA has a proven track record in urban renewal in Perth and, working with the Department for Culture and the Arts, will aim to bring about the best possible outcome for the site, to make it a focal point for our city.
"We want more people to come to the precinct and enjoy the community assets - it will also provide a fillip for Northbridge business."
Ms McHale said an integrated urban renewal project in the area would bring considerable benefit in terms of increases in attendance at the cultural institutions in the Cultural Centre.
"The Cultural Centre is our State's major resource for enjoying arts and cultural experiences and for accessing knowledge and information," she said.
"Connecting arts and cultural activities with the surrounding area and introducing additional land uses to the precinct will create a more vibrant Centre with the potential to expand the social and demographic profile of visitors and encourage increased use of its facilities."
EPRA's report on the feasibility of an urban renewal strategy will be overseen by a Ministerial Council involving the Treasurer, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and the Minister for Culture and the Arts. Key stakeholders will also be involved in the process.
The feasibility work would be undertaken by EPRA, at no cost to the State, with a report to go to the Expenditure Review Committee regarding findings and recommendations.
"The agencies involved with the Cultural Centre have given unanimous support to the project," Ms MacTiernan said.
"In particular, support has been received from the City of Perth and the WA Police Service whose concerns in relation to crime and anti-social behaviour in the area has been well documented in recent times."
Work to examine the feasibility of implementing an urban renewal strategy in the area will commence immediately and would generate a business case to examine the cost of upgrading public spaces, identify revenue from redevelopment opportunities and examine flow-on commercial opportunities for the precinct.
Minister MacTiernan's office: 9213 6400
Minister McHale' office: 9213 6900
