Developers sought for City Link

Developers are being asked to provide expressions of interest for five hectares of prime central business district land; the first to come to market from the state government’s Perth City Link urban revitalisation initiative.

Planning Minister John Day said the state government was looking for developers with the appropriate experience and capacity to deliver high quality, environmentally sustainable designs.

“The investment by the State Government in this project is significant encompassing work to sink the rail line, develop an underground bus station, complete the new 15,500 seat Perth Arena, and deliver high quality public spaces such as City Square.

“In addition, a key outcome of the project is the delivery of much-needed hotel accommodation to meet the growing demands of the WA tourism and business markets.

“Perth City Link is one of a number of major redevelopment projects, including Perth Waterfront; Perth Cultural Centre; and Riverside, which are currently planned or under way across our city.

“This project is a collaboration of three levels of government: the Federal Government; the State Government led by agencies EPRA and the Public Transport Authority; and the City of Perth.”

Mr Day said the project was well into its delivery phase, with the demolition of the Perth Entertainment Centre continuing and the commencement of works to sink a section of the Fremantle rail line earlier this month.

Expressions of interest will be open until November 10.

A shortlist of proponents will then be invited to submit detailed proposals early next year.

Shadow Planning Minister John Hyde responded to the announcement by criticising the lack of progress n the project.

Mr Hyde said that Mr Day announced in April 2009 that the final stage of planning was underway before land sales on the project could begin.

“Two and a half years later, they’ve failed to sell one block of land and now we learn there is no chance of a sale until at least the end of 2012,” he said.

“The Barnett Government’s only achievement in this project is to change its name from the Northbridge Link to the Link and erect 10 glossy signs.

“By 2013, the Barnett Government would have achieved no actual buildings from a link sale."

Mr Hyde said the Barnett Government previously announced an 18-month process to find developers for two sites near Perth Arena but failed to get any interest.