Renewed East Perth rejoins the City of Perth

3/2/02
The East Perth 'urban village' has been returned to the City of Perth by the Western Australian Government.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today presented a symbolic Certificate of Title to the Lord Mayor of Perth Dr Peter Nattrass in a ceremony at Victoria Gardens, beside the restored Claisebrook inlet.
"We took over a largely degraded and blighted industrial site and are handing back a creative, urban village," Ms MacTiernan said.
"And I have no doubt that under the City of Perth this magnificent asset will become the basis for the development of a real community."
Ms MacTiernan said that rejuvenation of the once run-down industrial estate was an outstanding achievement.
"Not only has the project led to 750 new dwellings being established in a unique urban setting, it has also created major new public open spaces and set new standards for public art and the design of recreational areas," she said.
"Importantly it has returned an important part of the beautiful Swan River to the Western Australian public.
"East Perth also houses businesses employing more than 6,000 people and educational institutions providing 1,500 student places."
Ms MacTiernan said the 110ha redevelopment should be a cause of pride to present and former staff of the East Perth Redevelopment Authority (EPRA), which was established by a previous Labor Government in 1992 to oversee the $120million project and which was continued under the Coalition Government.
She also acknowledged the private developers who have invested an estimated $800million and contributed significantly to the high standards achieved by the project.
"This project which involved environmental rehabilitation, advanced urban planning and a major marketing effort, has been conducted with high levels of community consultation and involvement," the Minister said.
"EPRA now has two further challenges with renewal projects of equally high standard, but each with distinctive character, in Northbridge and 'Gateway' at the eastern end of Adelaide Terrace.
"This successful model for managing major urban renewal is also being applied in areas as diverse as Armadale, Midland and Subiaco."
Minister's office: 9213 6400