Riverfront still an issue: Gehl

THE more things change, the more they stay the same.

Danish architect Jan Gehl has been heartened by the way Perth has developed since he held his first 'Public Space and Public Life' survey in 1994.

But back for a review of the same issues, Mr Gehl notes that the city remains removed from key aspects of the landscape that surround it, notably the river.

"City life and activities should continue to spread out into other city areas, and first and foremost the challenge remains to develop the riverfront into a true people place and destination, guided by the experience and knowledge gained over the last 15 years, as well as from international best practice," he says in his report.

Perhaps Mr Gehl is being diplomatic when he speaks of the past decade and a half, a period of much talk and fancy architectural drawings but little action.

As an outsider he may be forgiven for not knowing the debate that raged on the topic both before and after former premier Alan Carpenter unveiled his Dubai-style proposal for the foreshore development.

More likely, Mr Gehl understands that these things take time; and capital.

"Perth's future development relies heavily on physical projects taking full advantage of the city's greatest assets - the fabulous landscape and the wonderful climate," he writes.

While the new Liberal government has committed to a reshaped waterfront project to be overseen by state developer LandCorp, Mr Gehl reveals that many of the low-key infrastructure changes he recommended 15 years ago have been put in place.

Increased pedestrian amenity, more opportunities for people to stay, and a much greener cityscape are just some of the ticks he gives the City of Perth.

Mr Gehl notes the removal of pedestrian bridges across Forrest Place and to the Horseshoe Bridge, which the 1994 report recommended, although many remain. Similarly, his urgent recommendations to improve the Cultural Centre Plaza and make Cathedral Square accessible from Hay Street have not occurred all these years later.

Despite a chronic shortage of commercial space during the past few years, Mr Gehl notes the upper floors of the Hay Street Mall and many laneways remain unutlised.

The 2009 report's recommendations again focus on the waterfront and efforts to bring in more people to make the city less mono-functional and extend its vibrancy after office hours.

Mr Gehl's report describes efforts to make the city bicycle friendly as half-hearted and specifically recommends efforts should be made to create a better environment for cyclists who are better connected via regional links but lose out when they reach the city.