Burswood Peninsula the focus of joint planning investigation
13/10/05
The Gallop Government and Town of Victoria Park have joined forces to start planning how Burswood Station and the adjacent area could evolve to become an active urban and entertainment centre over the next two to 10 years.
Releasing the Burswood Station Precinct Development Review today, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the review outlined a significant transit orientated development around the Burswood Train Station, focusing on compact growth and public accessibility.
"The aim is to create a new urban precinct accommodating 4,500 to 5,000 new residents, capitalising on the existing rail infrastructure," Ms MacTiernan said.
"We see a compact, active community being created which will offer a mix of entertainment, offices and medium to high density housing.
"The pedestrian-oriented precinct will be within walking distance of the Swan River, with the rail station providing quick access to Perth CBD.
"Encouraging public transport use is one way of protecting our unique lifestyle.
"The first cab off the rank will be the 13ha Springs development, which is being co-ordinated by Landcorp.
"This will be followed by a 1.5ha redevelopment of land immediately around the railway station."
The Burswood Dome site has been included in the plan so that if the State Government releases the Casino from its obligation to maintain the Dome facility at some time in the future, it can be part of an integrated development.
This would require the approval of the Racing and Gaming Minister Mark McGowan.
The review sets out a long-term vision and a framework that allows all parties to start planning for the future now.
Development will require changes to the planning scheme and master planning, with the precinct likely to be transformed within 10 years.
The review had been undertaken in a partnership between the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, Town of Victoria Park and the Public Transport Authority.
Town of Victoria Park Mayor Mick Lee said the Burswood Peninsula had many features that provided for redevelopment including access to the Swan River and City and the 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 development," Cr Lee said.
The proposal builds on Government initiatives already under way for the adjacent Springs Development on the Belmont foreshore and private initiatives such as Mirvac Fini's The Peninsula.
Future planning will include a wider review of the whole peninsula to ensure co-ordinated outcomes between all initiatives.
The next stage will involve extensive consultation with the community and stakeholders on the proposed development of the area.