Ambitious new $1 billion riverfront masterplan hoping to transform Perth’s CBD

This week a new $1 billion masterplan for the CBD’s riverfront has been unveiled with the aim of keeping Perth one of the most liveable and prosperous cities in the world.

City of Perth councillors revealed the plan that will see a new riverfront oasis featuring a lagoon, beaches and more along the Swan River in the CBD.

The incredible proposal would cover a 2.2 kilometre stretch along the river from East Perth to the Supreme Court Gardens and could take more than a decade to build.

It will see over 3000 new trees along the riverfront as well as new sports facilities, walking trails, two hotels and about 30 restaurants and cafes – however it may need state and federal government funding to be completed.

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said the Masterplan will see the river’s potential come to life by setting a vision for a world-class city park.

“One of Perth’s greatest assets is its natural environment, and we want the stunning Swan River to be a magnificent river park destination for locals and visitors alike,” he said.

“It is an opportunity for the Commonwealth and State governments to work with us to make the most of how our city connects with our beautiful river,” he added. “We will undertake community engagement on the Masterplan as one of the next key steps in this long-term project.”

The plan is yet to be endorsed by the council, and it is likely to cause some debate over Langley Park, however Zempilas said the community view was that the space could be better utilised.

“This is our version of South Bank or Darling Harbour,” he said. “What this project is doing is providing a genuine connectivity with the river so that for the first time, people will be able to go down and touch the river’s edge – that is something we have not experienced in the modern version of our city.”

The master plan has been designed by Hassell and was based on advice from 30 stakeholders including various Government agencies.

An official decision on the proposal will be made by council in August.

If given the green light, it would likely be built over stages in a ten year or more timeframe but could act as a catalyst for further developments in the area.

Zempilas is confident the people of Perth will get behind the plan: “We have talked about this as a city for decades, so now is the time to decide, do we want to do this?”

Public feedback has been welcomed, and you can give yours once the plan is approved by the council –find out more here.

Image credit: City of Perth/Hassell