Tenders sought for East Perth power station

The state government is seeking expressions of interest to develop the heritage-listed East Perth power station site into a precinct that includes a mix of living, working and leisure opportunities.

Following the state government’s announced land asset sales program late last year, Premier Colin Barnett said the 3.14-hectare waterfront site was the first step in a long-term redevelopment plan for the power station.

“We are looking to gauge the market’s interest in this important precinct and we are seeking innovative development proposals that will create, prioritise and maintain community access to the site,” Mr Barnett said.

The heritage-listed power station is next to three other lots which are also available for development, and together make up 8.5ha of land.

“Its proximity to the CBD, key transport hubs, the new Perth Stadium and proposed Burswood Peninsula development, offers developers an opportunity to capitalise on great transport infrastructure and a growing residential population,” Mr Barnett said.

Planning Minister John Day said the state government was seeking developers who shared its vision of retaining, conserving and providing public access to the iconic heritage building.

“Like Elizabeth Quay, Perth City Link and Riverside, the East Perth power station has the potential to redefine our city and deliver new and exciting places for people to live, work and visit,” Mr Day said.

The power station operated from 1916 until 1981 and has been maintained by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority.

Since closure, a wide range of uses have been considered for the site, including converting the site into a $500 million museum but that was scrapped by the Barnett government in 2009.

Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes also considered turning the site into an art gallery to make his collection open to the public.

The site was also in consideration for the new Perth Stadium, which is now being built in Burswood.