The Swan River is a distinctive element of Perth city.  It winds through many suburbs of Perth and along downtown on its way out to the Indian Ocean, but many feel that Perth is not really a waterfront city. They are disappointed by the lack of usage of the Perth waterfront, and therefore the Department of Planning have drawn up several different plans to create a more integrated space between the Swan River and downtown. These plans hope to transform Perth from a largely functional city into a city that seamlessly integrates history, culture, business and leisure.

The project is estimated to cost 2.8 million and will take anywhere from 10 to 15 year with work possibly commencing in 2012. These costs are to be paid through public and private support. The redesigned waterfront is hoped to increase tourism to Perth and provide more incentive for residents to take advantage of what the city has to offer. The proposed changes will involve a variety of land uses such as hospitality, open space, business, residential and cultural.





One of the major changes to the Perth waterfront will come about in the form of an inlet.  The inlet will feature a wide promenade and is planned to bring a portion of the banks of the Swan River back to its historical position. It will serve as a central location for residents and tourist to enjoy the waterfront. Along the promenade will be shops, stores, and business and residential areas.

An Indigenous cultural centre will be built at the end of William Street and will extend out, partially over the river. The centre will serve as a hub for people to discover the rich history and culture of the local Aboriginal communities.  Designs of the centre are being created through a joint effort between members of the waterfront development team, members of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, and members of the Wadjuk and Noongar communities.

At the opening of the inlet will be an open space island that can be used for a variety of activities. Two bridges, one permanent and one opening, will connect pedestrians and bicyclists to the Island. The island will be landscaped to provide parkland and picnic areas for relaxing while enjoying 360 degree views of the city. It will also serve as an outdoor venue for cultural events from the indigenous cultural centre, an amphitheatre performance space, and a great viewing point for events like the Red Bull Air Show.





These new plans hope to revitalize Barrack Square by incorporating it into the waterfront designs as a key feature. The Swan Bells Bell Tower will become the centre piece to a newly designed civic space. This space will be edged with new buildings that will increase business in Barrack Square. The commercial ferry jetty will still run from Barrack Square, which, when combined with the new developments, will provide an attractive interest for residents and tourists.

Redesigning the waterfront will transform how people move about the city. William Street, Howard Street, Sherwood Court and Barrack Street will be extended, bringing the current grid of the city closer to the river. The section of Riverside Drive between William and Barrack Street will be removed and a pedestrian friendly, low speed road will be placed along the water front instead.

The inlet will create a transportation hub on the southern side of the city by moving the commuter ferry dock into the inlet, which will then connect it closer to the Esplanade train station and bus port. The implementation of these changes will cause congestion, but once in place the increased ease of public transportation will hopefully encourage people to use alternative means of transport.

Plans for the Perth waterfront have been greeted with mixed feelings from the general public, however despite some hesitations these plans seem to be going forward. Current plans may be changed slightly in these final planning years, but the general feel and key features will remain the same. When plans are completed, the waterfront of the Swan River will be integrated with downtown Perth physically and mentally.

What do you think about the plans for the new Perth Waterfront project?

Please add your comment below.

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Dr Lise Summers (03.12.2011 (22:25:14))

Perth Waterfront development The Perth Esplanade is a state registered heritage site, developed in the 1870s, ironically to bring the city closer to the river. The Esplanade was built between two of the major jetties of the day, and remnants of these may well lie beneath the soil. It was the site of the first intercolonial exhibition, and the place where Western Australia was proclaimed as an independent colony in 1890. It has been the home of the City's Anzac Day Parade since the 1920s, and was a significant site for union and labour history throughout the 1920s and 1930s.

The current development proposals do not recognise the heritage values of the site, and there seems to be little recognition of the role the site has played in the development of the city and the foreshore since 1870. The proposed tower developments for the Esplanade site and Barrack Square will block views along the foreshore from Kings Park and also from the Bell Tower.

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