With summer holidays fast approaching, the City of South Perth is excited to announce the river wall replacement and promenade path project on the South Perth foreshore in the Mends Street jetty precinct is almost complete.

The $2.3 million project commenced in August 2014 replacing the damaged river walls on either side of the Mends Street Jetty. The City together with Member for South Perth John McGrath MLA lobbied the State Government to recognize the need for funding of the repair work. The contribution from the Swan River Trust of $1 million was most welcomed by the City.

Replacing the existing walls, a limestone block wall has been constructed, with contemporary flatter capping for comfortable sitting. The curve on the river side of the wall is a proven design for wave deflection.  

The new promenade boasts a pathway at least 5m wide and includes programmable LED lighting to create a safe yet interesting environment for pedestrians to experience. Areas to sit and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Perth city skyline have also been constructed. These include:

Western Gateway: Located at the western end abutting the Mends Street beach, the ‘Western Gateway’ is sheltered from the wind and provides universal access entry to a timber deck, sitting 1.7m over the river wall, with custom formwork timber and concrete seating for single and group use.  

Breakout Space: Further down the promenade to the east of the Mends Street jetty, is the ‘Breakout Space’ with additional decking and seating spaces made up of custom formwork timber and concreting. This area is less structured, with the decking over the river wall without seating, offering a large viewing platform which overlooks the Swan River and Perth city.

Seating: Along the promenade there are a number of custom built seats constructed using contemporary timber and steel.

Mayor Sue Doherty said already the site is proving to be a very popular day and evening attraction for residents and visitors to the City.

“It is great to see the new promenade buzzing with activity throughout the day and well into the evening, it’s a joy to watch people enjoying this special area. It has really created a fantastic family-friendly atmosphere, attracting people from far and wide.”

“Transperth’s summer ferry timetable, combined with new transport options from Little Ferry Co and PS Decoy, now make it much easier for visitors to access our beautiful foreshore.”

“In particular I extend thanks to the City’s local member John McGrath. It it through his hard work, advocacy and dedication that has helped the City to secure funding for this significant and well overdue project,” said Mayor Doherty.

The City is well into the final stage of the project installing new irrigation and renovating and replacing turf. It is anticipated this work will be completed over the next few weeks.