New public space and link between CBD and Northbridge

• King Street extended to Northbridge for pedestrians, opening to traffic in early 2018
• Works almost complete on new public space in Perth City Link project
• Manatj Park designed to reflect the meeting of traditional owners and first settlers
• Connection to improve access to small businesses within the area

The King Street extension will open to pedestrians on Monday, December 11 creating a new connection between the Perth central business district and Northbridge.

The new CBD-Northbridge pedestrian connection will be followed by the opening of a new public space called Manatj Park before the end of the year.

Manatj Park, meaning black cockatoo in Whadjuk language, is located between the Perth Busport and Kings Square and includes a new road linking King Street in the city with Lake Street in Northbridge, which will open to road traffic in early 2018.

The public space was designed to reflect the first engagement between the Whadjuk people and the European settlers with paving designed to represent the ancient lake system.

Two artfully designed suspended steel 'ribbons' signify the movement and meeting of the two cultural groups.

Extending over 250 metres, the ribbons were manufactured in Perth, standing up to 5.5 metres tall and will be fitted with feature lighting, set to be completed before Christmas. 

The vertical supports for the ribbons are designed to weather and rust and specially chosen trees will be planted over the coming weeks to add to the ambience of the new place. 

The new park and road extension are part of the Perth City Link project to enhance the CBD as an entertainment and tourism precinct close to public transport connections.

The total cost of Manatj Park - including servicing, landscaping, the ribbons and the road extension - was $5.4 million.

Comments attributed to Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:

"An active and well-serviced central transport hub for Perth is an integral part of the McGowan Government's METRONET program.

"The Perth City Link master plan was always intended to deliver world-class transport infrastructure and provide new pedestrian and vehicle links to reconnect the city with Northbridge and support major residential, commercial, retail and hotel development.

"The project to connect Perth and Northbridge has come a long way since it was initiated 10 years ago under the previous Labor government."

Comments attributed to Perth MLA John Carey:

"Delivery of places such as Manatj Park and Yagan Square, connected by a strong public transport system, are essential in attracting more private investment in the CBD and creating future jobs in construction and hospitality.

"With Yagan Square due to open early next year and developers selected for six of the 10 lots at Perth City Link, the economic growth and community benefits are set to continue.

"Ultimately, we are working to make Perth a more vibrant and liveable city to attract more visitors and residents, and this is one example of that progress."

Minister's office -  6552 5500