ONE of the biggest changes to the face of Perth has been the redevelopment of disused industrial land in the city’s east.
The East Perth Redevelopment is now nearing completion and will be home to about 2,900 in people in 18 months’ time.
Along with the 2,900 residents, there will be around 20,000 people working in the area.
East Perth Redevelopment Authority CEO Wally Cox said the redevelopment had been planned as an urban village. He said the EPRA area was designed for lifestyle.
All major infrastructure for the area is now in place.
The Perth City Council recently considered plans for a car park for the EPRA area.
A lack of car parking does pose a problem for the area that was designed largely for pedestrians.
Already the EPRA has sold off Constitution Hill, Haig Park, North Cove and Belvidere East as residential sub-divisions and Eastbrook as mixed-use land.
Dr Cox said the resort-style hotel planned for South Cove would make East Perth more than a match for Northbridge as an entertainment destination for both local residents and visitors.
“It will create a cosmopolitan environment that will attract an interesting mix of people to an interesting mix of hospitality venues,” he said.
Councillor Laurance Goodman, himself a resident in the EPRA area, said there were currently 300 residents in the redevelopment.
Mr Goodman said plans were already in place for shops to meet the needs of the residents.
“As soon as the people are there to make the shops a living, they will open,” he said.
The area bounded by Wittenoom, Royal and Bennett Streets is to become a residential and mixed-use area with convenience shopping to be included.
And the proposed Woolworths development in the CBD near Forrest Place will make it easier for East Perth residents, as well as those in the city proper, to purchase provisions without the need to travel out to nearby suburbs.
Currently EPRA residents have to travel to Mt Lawley or across the Causeway to Victoria Park to do their supermarket shopping.
The Woolworths development will give them a closer grocery shopping destination — and one that is a free bus ride away from their homes.
