Main Roads scraps Charles Street plan

A contentious proposal to upgrade Charles Street in North Perth has been dropped, potentially saving about 100 properties initially planned to be cleared.

Main Roads Western Australia proposed a series of concepts for Charles Street between Wiluna and Carr streets, including upgrading intersections and allowing underground traffic.

Ideas include a series of short vertical bypasses at each major intersection to allow traffic below-ground, dubbed ‘duck and dives’, full movement intersections, a dedicated south bound lane for buses, and pedestrian and cyclist crossing facilities at the major intersections.

The Charles Street planning study was advertised for public feedback but received community opposition, including criticisms from the City of Vincent.

One of the main concerns raised by the city was the planned significant land acquisition along Charles Street to make way for the proposed upgrades.

The community consultation period was recently extended until December 31, but a Main Roads spokesperson announced today that it would be shutting down the planning study following the community feedback.

"The concept outlined a long-term vision for Charles Street to alleviate traffic congestion in the decades ahead when there is expected to be significant growth in traffic volumes," the spokesperson said.

"It also sought to address anticipated growth in traffic associated with the City of Vincent’s future plans for higher density development in the precinct.

"Over the past six weeks, there have been several drop-in sessions and land owner meetings in addition to more than 550 people responding to an online survey to share their views on the concept.

"However, less than half of the respondents supported the proposal with a key area of concern being the number of private properties likely to be impacted by the proposed concept.

"In response, Main Roads will conclude consultation on the proposed concept and will not be seeking to make any changes to the existing Planning Control Area."

The spokesperson said the feedback received would still be assessed and the information would feed into any future community consultation about long-term potential options along Charles Street.

Speaking in parliament today, Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said the decision followed a meeting her office had with Main Roads to revise the feedback.

“Based on the feedback, it is clear that there is significant community concern about the proposal,” she said.

“It’s important to note that a planning control area already exists over many properties on Charles Street."

Ms Saffioti said there were 141 properties impacted in some way by the current planning control area.

“The new Charles Street corridor planning was long-term, and this project was not likely to be implemented for at least another 10 years," Ms Saffioti said in parliament today.

“Corridor planning and preservation is important to ensure that we can continue to deliver world-class infrastructure in the future.

“However, it is clear that this plan would create too much uncertainty for landowners and has generated a high level of concern.

“It is for that reason, it was agreed that Main Roads would wrap up consultation now and will take the time to carefully consider options for the future of Charles Street."

Vincent mayor Emma Cole welcomed the announcement, saying the city was relieved that Main Roads decided to shut down the planning study.

“There has been a really strong response from the Vincent community on this concept and its impacts on Charles Street and North Perth residents," she said.

"I thank residents for their advocacy on this important issue. We had a lot of valuable input from our community which helped shape our City of Vincent submission on the concept.

“I genuinely appreciate that Main Roads WA has responded in this way to the residents of Charles Street, the community of North Perth and the City of Vincent.”