The Western Australian Government has allocated $30 million through the 2019-20 State Budget towards the redevelopment of the East Perth Power Station - a 103-year-old abandoned power station.
The investment will help jump start site works that will remove energy infrastructure - including a gas pressure reduction station and Western Power’s electricity switchyard - that services the Perth CBD and the relocation of the transmission line underground along the foreshore.
“This funding progresses the redevelopment process of the East Perth Power Station into a contemporary waterfront destination that provides opportunities for the community to interact with this iconic piece of social history at the Swan River’s edge.
“The development will deliver public amenity and integration with the foreshore and Swan River,” Lands Minister Ben Wyatt said.
The scope and timing of works will be determined and finalised later this year once a feasibility study has been conducted.
The site works are set to give confidence to developers who have shown interest in redeveloping the site but have also questioned the timing of the power station’s decommissioning.
“For too long this site has been left to waste on the banks of our river - I want to see it progress because it provides a unique opportunity to create something special for our State.
“Many people have expressed to me a strong interest in revitalising this site and bringing life to this end of town, there are so many opportunities here,” Premier Mark McGowan said.
Four years ago, an Expression of Interest (EOI) process was started and five proponents were shortlisted.
The redevelopment of the 8.5-hectare site will open up opportunities to build a new METRONET precinct around the East Perth station, offering new housing as well as improved public transport access and better connectivity with the Swan River.
Redevelopment of the East Perth Power Station comes with the condition that the power station must be utilised as a public space and the heritage-listed machines should be retained.
“The East Perth Power Station is an important heritage icon, and retaining and adapting the site for contemporary use will be pivotal to its future redevelopment,” Mr Wyatt said.
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Source: Government of Western Australia; WA Today; The West Australian; ABC News