Push to make Dome a home

The Town of Victoria Park and the State Government are considering the potential redevelopment of 19.6 hectares of land around Burswood Dome once it closes.

The two commissioned a report outlining a joint initiative between the Public Transport Authority, the Department of Planning and Infras-tructure and the Town of Victoria Park to create a transit-oriented development.

It would focus on compact growth and public accessibility, along the principles outlined earlier this year in Network City, the State Government’s planning vision for Perth.

The land is owned by several stakeholders including the PTA, Burswood Casino, private landowners and the Town of Victoria Park.

Victoria Park Mayor Mick Lee said the Burswood Peninsula had many features that provided for redevel-opment, including access to the Swan River and city and an opportunity to make better use of its rail access.

“The town considers the Burswood Peninsula as a key area to be redeveloped and that full advantage should be taken of the significant opportunities it provides for a mix of residential and commercial develo-pment,” Mayor Lee said.

Town of Victoria Park planning and development services executive manager Chris Eaton said the development depended very much on the State Government’s decision on the future of Burswood Dome, which has been deferred.

The next stage would involve extensive consultation with the community and stakeholders on the proposed development.

“In my view this is one of the best opportunities in the Perth metropolitan area, and it is a fortunate partnership between the PTA and the DPI to help make it eventuate in to a strategically important area,” Mr Eaton said.

“There are a number of different options as to how the implementation might occur.”

The development would include all land to the north of the Great Eastern Highway bounded by the rail line and the Graham Farmer Freeway and the Burswood Dome site and surrounding car park.

The report outlined a vision for the precinct, based on desirability, density and diversity. 

“It is a place where local residents and tourists alike can live, work and play, against a backdrop of the Swan River, the central business district of Perth and the Burswood Casino,” the report said.

“The key to the successful development of the site is the degree to which it can be integrated with adjacent developments.

“Whilst the opportunities are limited and require some major infrastructure links, this is not an insurmountable or unusual problem.”

Mirvac Fini is developing the nearby $700 Peninsula, which will ultimately be the largest master planned community in Western Australia, with 1,100 residences over 17 hectares.

The first two towers, containing 190 apartments and valued at $140 million, have sold off the plan, with the third tower expected to go to the market in mid October.