A new hotel is the likely candidate for a site next to Perth Arena indoor stadium which the state government today committed to redevelop at a cost of $9 million.
A new hotel is the likely candidate for a site next to Perth Arena indoor stadium which the state government today committed to redevelop at a cost of $9 million.
Announcing the move today ahead of his commitment to the Mounts Bay foreshore project, premier Alan Carpenter said the funding was for the creation of a genuine forecourt for the Arena stadium, an upgrade of Wellington and Milligan Streets and a road transport link that would allow the long-awaited redevelopment of the Perth Entertainment Centre site.
Mr Carpenter said he was in discussion with the owners of the nearby site, presumably Kerry Stokes Australian Capital Equity Pty Ltd, which controls the Entertainment Centre.
The premier said the redevelopment would effectively be stage two of the Northbridge Link project, with the Arena being stage one.
However, just before announcing the final installment in almost $2 billion in new infrastructure projects for the inner city, he said sinking the railway would have to wait.
"There is only so much you can do at one time," Mr Carpenter told the audience at a Committee for Economic Development luncheon.
"Some things need to be progressed in stages."
Below is the full announcement:
Premier Alan Carpenter today announced a commitment to initial works of the Northbridge Link Project, bringing Perth's CBD and Northbridge together.
Mr Carpenter said the government had allocated $9 million to develop land along Wellington Street near Perth Arena as public open space and for mixed, commercial, residential and tourism uses.
The money would be used to create a genuine forecourt for the Perth Arena, an upgrade of Wellington and Milligan Streets and a road transport link that would allow the long-awaited redevelopment of the Perth Entertainment Centre site.
It would also open up the potential of the parcel of land which separated the Perth Arena and the old entertainment centre - which the Government hoped would become a new hotel for Perth.
"The Northbridge Link project will bring new vitality and activity to Perth, stimulating private sector investment in the city and helping to reinvigorate Northbridge and the Cultural Centre," the Premier said.
"This initial development, which covers 6.3ha from the Perth Arena to the Entertainment Centre, is expected to attract investment in excess of $600million."
Land development as part of the State Government's role in the project begins in
2008-09, and is expected to be completed in 2012.
Mr Carpenter today also announced the $300million Perth Waterfront Project, which followed last week's announcement that the Government would build the $1.1billion outdoor stadium at Subiaco and a $506million museum at the East Perth Power Station site.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the project would ensure the city's premier entertainment venue was linked to public transport and a brilliant urban environment.
"The first phase of development will include cafes, bars, shops and offices for thousands of employees, residential dwellings and housing," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The public open spaces will be outstanding and particular attention will be paid to creating high quality streetscapes."
The final Northbridge link masterplan will be released shortly. It was developed by the East Perth Redevelopment Authority (EPRA) in partnership with the City of Perth and the Public Transport Authority (PTA) following extensive community and stakeholder consultation.
The State Government will be in discussions with the City of Perth to finalise land development and timing issues.
