THE Midland Redevelopment Authority has released concept plans for its former railway workshops, featuring an eclectic mix of cultural and educational facilities, commercial outlets and residential development. A 16-page document, titled Workshops Village Key Design Principles, is now on the MRA’s website to generate further comment from public and design professionals. In a statement, MRA chairman Dr Fred Affleck said the plan included a creative industries centre for the foundry, accommodating sculptors, glass blowers, painters and other artisans in studio spaces as well as a theatrette, exhibition spaces, a café and other retail outlets. “Revitalising these buildings and creating a vib-rant and diverse urban village is the most exciting phase of the Midland redevelopment,” he said. The workshop village, comprising three large brick blocks and other historic buildings, was entered on the Heritage Council of WA register in 1994. Dr Affleck said specific principles had been developed for each of the seven village sub-precincts to guide development of public open space, new buildings and the interface between public and private uses. Appropriate uses for the heritage buildings included education, administrative, creative industries and residential accommodation.