Homes demolished in suburb makeover

11/05/05

The transformation of the southern suburb of Queens Park will make further progress today when another eight ageing Homeswest units are razed by the blade of a demolition bulldozer.
The work will be overseen by Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan.
Nearly 300 existing dwellings will be demolished as part of a four-year project to completely redraw and revitalise the suburb, which is one of 17 areas in the State with overwhelmingly dominant public housing.
"Queens Park is in the process of becoming a vibrant and sought-after place to live," Mr Logan said.
Quattro - The New Queens Park, is part of the Department of Housing and Works' New Living Program, which aims to:

• significantly reduce the presence of public housing;
• refurbish houses for sale to the public or existing tenants;
• eliminate the social stigma caused by the density of inappropriate and outdated public housing;
• upgrade and refurbish public rental housing;
• upgrade the amenity of an area with streetscapes and parks; and
• facilitate additional security for local residents by eliminating so-called 'hidden areas' which were known for anti-social behaviour.

Mr Logan said activity to revitalise the area would focus on the precinct known as 'Maniana', where the department had a public housing presence of 97 per cent.
"The project is scheduled for completion in June 2008," he said.
"Civil works are planned to begin in the middle of next year, with the first sales release expected in late 2006.
"The demolition of 299 existing dwellings will enable the creation of 282 new vacant lots, the majority of which will be earmarked for sale to the public.
"More than 84 properties have already been demolished, another 36 properties are currently under contract to be demolished."
The Premier and Victoria Park MLA, Geoff Gallop, said it was great to see so much progress being made in the transformation of Queens Park.
"The renewal is sure to make the area a better, safer place to live, bringing with it an increased sense of community pride," he said.
Mr Logan said the project included upgrading of streetscapes and infrastructure within the project area.
He said work scheduled for the next twelve months included the upgrading the streetscape along Wharf Street from Welshpool Road to Maniana Road, construction of an entry statement on the corner of Welshpool Road and Wharf Street, the introduction of a garden competition and sponsorship packages for local groups and or individuals.
"The Gallop Government is committed to enhancing Western Australia's unique lifestyle," Mr Logan said.
Peet and Co was appointed project manager for the refurbishment and revitalisation of Queens Park in April, 2004 and subsequently submitted a draft masterplan which has been endorsed by the City of Canning.
Mr Logan said the department owned 325 dwellings in Queens Park, representing
16.4 per cent of all dwellings in the suburb.
"Of the 325 dwellings, it is intended to demolish 299 dwellings, refurbish 20 dwellings for retention by the department and refurbish an additional six dwellings for sale," he said.
NGS guards and patrols have been appointed to provide additional security services in the project area to assist with law enforcement and to reduce incidences of crime and vandalism.
A temporary Community Information Centre was opened at 323 Wharf Street, Queens Park. The centre dispensed updated project information and facilitated the flow of information between the community, the project managers and the department.
Subsequent to demolition, a permanent centre is to be provided at property adjoining 325, Wharf Street.
A demonstration house will be constructed to incorporate sustainability and affordability principles. It will become an information centre and sales office for when lots become available for sale.
Minister's office: 9222 8950