11/3/03
A fully integrated residential railway precinct at Leda-Wellard is a step closer, with the signing of an agreement between the Department of Housing and Works and Peet and Company Limited.
Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens said the signing of the heads of agreement represented a milestone in the progress of the joint venture to develop 320ha of land.
"The Government is seizing the opportunity created by the proposed Southern Suburbs Transit System and Leda Station, to help create this new residential development," Mr Stephens said.
"The land at Leda-Wellard is ideal for development, with good access to several important South West regional centres and close to job opportunity areas.
"Planning and design work can now commence with preliminary planning approval aimed for the end of June, and development next financial year."
The Minister said the joint venture land was 35km south of the Perth central business district, bounded by Wellard Road to the north, the existing Homestead Ridge subdivision to the east, parks and recreation reserve to the south and the initial stages of the Leda subdivision to the west.
Mr Stephens said the land represented the southern most extension of the Kwinana town area and had the potential for the creation of about 3,000 lots and homes for more than 7,000 residents.
"The Government is keen on an innovative development style, considering the living, communications, and transport needs of the future, and taking particular advantage of the excellent location and rapid public transit opportunities planned," he said.
"The proposed rail line from Mandurah and Rockingham to Perth will traverse the northern sector of the Leda site on an east-west axis, with a transit station located in the development area."
The Minister said the Government's joint venture partnership with Peet and Company Limited would ensure a continued supply of residential land in the area with public housing sites providing for the needs of seniors and the disabled and first homebuyers.
The company has been involved in the development of residential land for more than 100 years and has won State and national awards for estate planning and environmental excellence.
"Peet and Company's extensive experience will ensure the creation of a very desirable neighbourhood offering residents easy access to landscaped parks and a wide variety of facilities," Mr Stephens said.
"Leda-Wellard will become a very attractive place to live in, with commuting to Perth as easy as it is from established suburbs with rail connections to the CBD.
"There will be excellent opportunities for small business as new shopping centres, recreational facilities, service industries, and health providers set up shop."
"We look forward to using our extensive experience to ensure the creation of a very desirable neighbourhood which offers its residents easy access to landscaped parks and a wide variety of facilities," Peet and Company Limited's managing director Warwick Hemsley said.
Mr Stephens said the project had been brought forward to coincide with the construction of the Southern Rail Link and the Leda Station expected to be completed by December 2006.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
