Step forward for Scarborough revamp

The state government has named a global team to undertake foreshore improvements at Scarborough Beach, while at the same time putting out the call for an architect to provide a design for the redevelopment of the surf club into a beach hub.

Planning Minister John Day today announced that the state government had formally adopted the master plan for the area, following a public consultation period after the plan was unveiled in January this year.

Mr Day said a consortium led by Taylor Cullity Lethlean and featuring UDLA and global design and planning firm Arup would undertake design works for foreshore improvements at one of Perth’s most popular beaches.

Adelaide-based TCL was one of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority’s key partners at Elizabeth Quay, where it collaborated with ARM Architecture on the design of the inlet, where the public open space is rapidly nearing completion.

Perth-based landscape architecture firm UDLA is also highly experienced in high-profile foreshore redevelopments, having been engaged by the City of Rockingham to create a master plan for Rockingham Beach.

Arup’s capabilities are well-known across the globe, with the firm instrumental in the design of the Beijing Olympics’ two iconic venues – the Bird’s Nest main stadium and the Water Cube aquatics centre.

The Scarborough upgrades to be undertaken by the consortium will include new play areas, green open spaces, a skate park, piazzas and boardwalks, Mr Day said.

“There will also be new dining, shopping and entertainment options, and a range of events and activities for families and people of all ages to enjoy,” he said.

The foreshore works are expected to start in April next year, while the existing surf lifesaving club will become a multi-use complex, designed to integrate with the new open spaces and the City of Stirling’s proposed ocean pool.

Mr Day said a planning framework was being devised for the redevelopment area, including design guidelines and a formal redevelopment scheme.

Those documents are expected to be released for public comment later this year.

However, developers are already active in Scarborough, including Psaros and Diploma Group, as well as a range of others.

In total, the state government is seeking the development of around 2,800 apartments and townhouses around Scarborough Beach.