East Perth evolution continues

Previously in this column, I discussed the newly upgraded Wellington Square in East Perth. Featuring an impressive new intergenerational playground, Koolangka Koolangka Waabiny, the area is likely to attract a big number of visitors.

This fantastic new park is just one small aspect of a range of exciting development projects that are happening in East Perth, changing the face of the area and providing residents, visitors and businesses with improved amenity and opportunity.

Many of these projects, including the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) Ground redevelopment, the East Perth Power Station redevelopment and several other development projects, have been in the pipeline for years and are finally coming to fruition.

The State Government recently revealed the final designs for the WACA Ground redevelopment, which will see the historic ground transformed into a 10,000-capacity boutique cricket venue with a range of modern facilities, as well as a new state-of-the-art public swimming pool. The project is due to commence construction later in 2021.

After decades of sitting vacant and deteriorating, it looks like the East Perth Power Station’s new lease on life will also get underway soon.

The coal-fired power station was closed in 1981 and last year, Kerry Stokes’ Australian Capital Equity and Andrew Forrest’s Minderoo Group were chosen as the preferred proponents to transform the former industrial site.

While there is significant siteworks to be undertaken and an agreement to be formalised, it is hoped that construction will commence on the site early next year to turn it into a significant commercial and residential precinct.

The power station site is an iconic location, and it will be fantastic to see the area turned into an asset for the local community.

Another historic site in East Perth that is getting a new lease on life is the old Perth Girls School. In June 2020, the Perth Girls School precinct design guidelines were adopted by the State Government, paving the way for a staged development of the site over the next few years by developer Australian Development Capital (ADC).

According to ADC, the sustainable urban regeneration project will improve the quality of life in East Perth while driving population and economic growth in the CBD. The precinct will be a vertical neighbourhood on the waterfront and sure to attract many to the area.

Another exciting project underway is Waterbank by Lendlease and DevelopmentWA, which will include commercial, retail and residential, as well as four hectares of public open space right on the water.

Overall, East Perth continues to evolve into a vibrant CBD hub that will provide exciting opportunities for our city.