26/4/02
Transformation of Clarkson - 27km north of the Perth CBD - into an innovative $300million residential community to be known as Somerly, would begin in mid-2002, Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens said today.
Macquarie Bank's Urban Pacific Limited would manage and market the project in a Joint Venture with Landstart, a subsidiary of the Department of Housing and Works.
Urban Pacific's managing director Mr Russell Thomson said that the company had earmarked expansion of its urban development operations in Western Australia for some time and he was delighted to be partnering Landstart in the Somerly community development.
Mr Stephens said construction of the 162ha residential and commercial development with about 1,800 new home sites, railway station and a main street precinct would create jobs for over 2,000 workers.
"The scope of development has now been expanded by 40 per cent with the inclusion of adjoining land into the original master planned area, while the end value of the community has jumped to about $300 million," he said.
"The first allotments will be released to the public later this year in close proximity to the Ocean Keys Shopping Centre, while the total development program for the project is expected to span about 10 years.
"There will be a range of lot sizes to cater for first and second home buyers, and one in 12 lots will be provided for public housing.
"Somerly - centred on the new railway station and bus interchange - will provide a major focus for WA's fastest-growing residential area.
"The far-sighted focus on transport infrastructure will showcase the next wave of urban development and the concept of creating total communities.
"The plans are centred on creating a very liveable suburb with a distinct design image, based on high quality housing and well-landscaped and developed reserves - an approach which should create significant spin-off benefits for the surrounding region."
The Minister said there would be reticulated computer and Internet cabling to each housing lot to provide access for high speed Internet and a community information service, as well as increased home office opportunities and free to air local television.
The key to the development was the creation of a village atmosphere, based around a traditional 'main street' commercial precinct featuring mixed local convenience and community facility space.
It would promote a pedestrian-friendly street environment with adaptable buildings on the 'main street' to allow flexibility and change of use and a strong urban design identity.
Clarkson Station, due to open in late 2004, would be incorporated into the main precinct - within easy walking distance of the majority of homes, ensuring that residents were not reliant on cars.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
