Council invites feedback on proposed Westralian Centre concept

The City of South Perth Council is seeking feedback on the proposed concept of the Westralian Centre located west of Coode Street Jetty, identified as Node 9 Flagpole in the South Perth Foreshore Strategy and Management Plan (SPF Plan). 

The Council endorsed the SPF Plan in 2015 following community and stakeholder engagement. The plan identifies 10 nodes for improvements along the foreshore.

The vision for Node 9, Flagpole is to create:
• A landmark site, representing national, state, local and Aboriginal significance, that expresses the historical background of the area; and

• A landmark event space for civic and social events that also provides recreational facilities throughout the year.

In response, the Council has proposed the concept of the Westralian Centre which was endorsed at the 28 February 2017 Council meeting. 

The City is now commencing initial consultation to inform and seek feedback from community and stakeholders on this proposal.

Consistent with all City community consultation, the City’s online engagement portal Your Say South Perth is the primary focal point for this consultation. 

Your Say South Perth has detailed information on the Westralian Centre concept as well as a concept questionnaire. The community is invited to share their opinions and feedback by completing the questionnaire by 5pm, Friday 2 June 2017.

“The Council is keen to hear from community and stakeholders about the proposed concept and I encourage people to complete the questionnaire,” City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty said.

Hard copies of the questionnaire have been made available on request at the Civic Centre, South Perth Library, Manning Library, the Senior Citizens Centres, the Old Mill and George Burnett Leisure Centre.

Independent market research, conducted by Thinkfield will commence on Friday 12 May 2017. This will involve an email survey of 500 randomly selected Western Australians along with a second sample comprising over 3,000 City of South Perth community members. 

“Independent market research of the City of South Perth community and the broader Western Australian community is vitally important so that Council can determine the level of support for the proposed Westralian Centre concept,” Mayor Doherty said.

The proposed Westralian Centre concept
The proposed Westralian Centre is envisaged to be a commemorative public space to celebrate unique Western Australian and South Perth stories, culture and heritage incorporating a multi-purpose interpretive facility with public open space.

Initial concept drawings illustrate an architect-designed facility built into the landscape, with public open spaces to complement the surrounding reserve, natural environment and river. The proposed building design would incorporate best practice environmental and sustainability principles.

The proposed Westralian Centre would contribute to the ongoing development of South Perth as a destination for local, state and international visitors, provide an economic boost for local business and additional employment within the City.