Have your say on Canning Bridge vision

The public are being asked for their views on proposals for the future long term development of the area around Canning Bridge.

The Department of Planning, on behalf of the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC), is working with the City of South Perth and City of Melville to produce a ‘vision’ for the Canning Bridge precinct, which will provide a broad planning framework for the future development of the area.

Eric Lumsden, Department of Planning Director General, said: “With its high level of public transport service, Canning Bridge is well placed to develop into a more significant centre that can accommodate some of Perth’s expected growth over the next two decades and beyond. That was recognised in Directions 2031, the draft Spatial Framework for Perth and Peel which sets the direction for shaping the future of our city.

“After a great deal of consultation with the community and other stakeholders we have developed a draft vision, which sees the precinct evolving into a unique, vibrant, creative community with a mix of office, retail, residential and cultural uses.

“We would now like further input from the community on the ideas in the draft vision and hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to put their views forward.”

The draft vision is designed to make the most of the precinct’s strategic location along the Perth-Mandurah rail line and the Canning Highway, which supports high frequency bus routes, as well as its proximity to the Perth CBD.

It also takes advantage of: • commercial and office development opportunities in the Applecross/Mt Pleasant and Como areas; • residential re-development opportunities; • development and enhancement opportunities associated with the landmark location at the confluence of the Swan and Canning Rivers.

City of South Perth Mayor James Best said: “The City is really pleased to be working with the City of Melville and the Department of Planning on the Canning Bridge precinct vision.

“Transit oriented developments like this one are a great way to encourage a more cohesive and connected community.

“Through the visioning process and five community workshops seeking ideas for the precinct, residents have asked for sustainable long term planning, including diversity of affordable housing types, to create vibrant communities.

“Given its prominent location and regional importance, this project presents a unique opportunity to plan for innovative and distinctive residential and commercial development.”

Key initiatives proposed include improvements to local roads and the Canning Highway/Kwinana Freeway interchange; improved access and facilities at the Canning Bridge rail station; a new bus station; and formal pick-up and drop-off areas near the rail station. In the longer term, there could be improvements to the foreshore, new community facilities and a wider range of housing types, including apartments.

The installation of a ferry terminal beside the bus/rail interchange could also be investigated.

City of Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey said: “This is a unique area to the City of Melville and a significant site in a regional context.

“The long term vision being presented is an exciting concept for the future development of the Canning Bridge precinct and the planning provides the opportunity for the protection of the unique values of the area while allowing for inevitable growth in an orderly and planned manner.

“There has been a great deal of interest in the process and the vision. I ask all residents, business owners and anyone who has an interest in the area to provide their comment on this exciting vision.”

A public information forum will be held from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday 13 February 2010 at the City of Melville Civic Centre.

There will be a brief presentation of the plan at 1pm, followed by the opportunity to discuss the draft vision with the project team.

The full report and public submission form can be downloaded from www.planning.wa.gov.au, www.melvillecity.com.au and www.southperth.wa.gov.au

They can also be viewed at the Department of Planning offices, Albert Facey House, 469 Wellington Street, Perth, the City of Melville Civic Centre and the City of South Perth Civic Centre. Public libraries in Melville and South Perth also have copies available.

The closing date for receipt of submissions is 5pm, Friday 19 March 2010. Further information is available from the Department of Planning on (08) 9264 7738, the City of Melville on (08) 9364 0666 and the City of South Perth on (08) 9474 0777.