Entertainment Centre demolition makes way for Perth City Link
The Perth City Link project reached a major milestone today as demolition commenced at the old Perth Entertainment Centre and the State Government announced its commitment to the development plans for the site.
Premier Colin Barnett and major project land owner Seven Group Holdings (Seven) chairman Kerry Stokes joined Planning Minister John Day at the former entertainment venue today to kick start demolition works.
The Premier said that as the Perth Entertainment Centre comes down, West Australians will get the first glimpse of how the project will transform the city centre, build capacity and improve access and connectivity within our city.
“Perth City Link - a project that will reconnect the CBD with Northbridge for the first time in 100 years - is moving from vision to reality,” Mr Barnett said.
“This is a project that will benefit everyone, locals and tourists alike, and is expected to attract more than $3billion of private investment into our State.
“The State Government is working closely with Seven in the delivery of the Perth City Link project and we are pleased to confirm our ‘in-principle’ approval for their development plans.”
Mr Day said that in addition to today’s announcement, the 13.5-hectare Perth City Link project was progressing on several fronts.
“Subdivision works will soon commence at the western end of the project area to create two development sites and assist with the early delivery of a new hotel for inner city Perth,” Mr Day said.
“In addition, the Perth City Link Rail Alliance has begun planning and design work for the $360million rail component with major construction works to sink part of the Fremantle Line from William Street to Lake/King Street due to commence later this year.”
Perth City Link land sales will also commence in mid-2011 which will see development rights offered across the State Government's land holdings.
Running east-west across the city, Perth City Link will provide 1,650 new apartments for more than 3,000 new city residents, and is also expected to create jobs for over 13,000 workers in 244,000sqm of new commercial and retail space.
The Premier said Perth City Link, along with Perth Waterfront and Riverside projects, would significantly change the face of Perth by opening up the city and providing West Australians with more inner city living options.
“This Government is focused on delivering a world-class city and these projects will play an integral role in achieving this,” he said.
For more information about the Perth City Link project: http://www.perthcitylink.wa.gov.au