Perth City Link another step closer as rail alliance partner announced
Progress on the Perth City Link project took a major step forward today with the announcement of the preferred alliance partner to sink part of the railway through Perth.
Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the $360million rail project involved funding support from all three tiers of government, and will be undertaken as part of an alliance agreement between the Public Transport Authority (PTA) and preferred group, John Holland and GHD.
“The Perth City Link project will open up a major tract of land running west from the Horseshoe Bridge and incorporating the Entertainment Centre site and the new Perth Arena, and the sinking of the railway literally underpins this project,” Mr Buswell said.
“Following the short-listing of two proponents in September 2010, the John Holland and GHD proposal provided Government with a detailed plan we believe will result in an excellent outcome - technically and commercially.
“John Holland and GHD have submitted a proposal which meets the budget parameters set by Government; their proposal also confirms they can deliver this critical component of the Perth City Link by 2014.
“I’m particularly pleased this project will provide the Western Australian economy with a significant boost as considerable resources and materials will be sourced from within the State.
“John Holland and GHD will now immediately progress planning and design, with the first significant work to begin at the station later this year.”
Planning Minister John Day said the sinking of the railway would enable the redevelopment of the 14ha strip between Perth and Northbridge.
“The Link project represents an important opportunity for the public and private sectors to work together to deliver much-needed social, economic and environmental benefits to the community in the form of more housing, jobs, office and public space,” Mr Day said.
“In December 2010, the State Government reached an agreement with Seven Group Holdings Seven in regard to the demolition of the Perth Entertainment Centre and I expect demolition work to be under way in the coming months.
“When complete, Perth City Link is expected to attract more than $3billion of private investment; provide 1,650 new apartments for more than 3,000 new residents; and accommodate 13,350 workers in 244,000sqm of new commercial and retail space.”
Mr Buswell said the PTA had already started preparation work at and around Perth Station.
“Together with the subsequent sinking of the Wellington Street Bus Station, this component is the catalyst for the delivery of the long-awaited vision to reconnect the CBD and Northbridge,” Mr Buswell said.
“Work for the $249million Wellington Street Bus Station project will occur under a separate contract, with expected completion in 2016.”
The State Government has allocated a total of $336million to the sinking of the railway and the Wellington Street Bus Station. The City of Perth has allocated $38million.
The Federal Government allocated $236million to the rail component of the Perth City Link project in the 2009-10 Budget.