Connect South preliminary works start

After years of planning and development, the City's Connect South project will shortly enter the construction phase with the major project set to transform Mends Street to become the gateway to South Perth and a destination for the local community and visitors. 

The first stage of the project will create a vibrant and accessible entry point to Mends Street, the Perth Zoo and greater South Perth. Works will include the development of an active pedestrian-friendly piazza on the Mends Street Foreshore and minor upgrades to the northern area of Mends Street, between Mill Point Road and South Perth Esplanade. 

Stage 1 will improve the pedestrian experience and lighting in the area, and create active and passive spaces with a host of seating options for visitors. Greater shade and weather protection will be provided by two eye-catching sculptural canopies based on the frilled necked lizard and numbat. Additionally, Connect South will reinforce the links between South Perth, Elizabeth Quay and the Perth Central Business District. 

Construction is anticipated to be completed in November 2019 at an estimated total project cost of $7.5 million with $2.5 million from Federal Government National Stronger Regions funding and $5 million from the City of South Perth. 

During construction temporary changes to traffic and parking arrangements will be in place. The City will provide fortnightly updates available to view on the Connect South project page of the City's website.

Preliminary site works

Preliminary site works will take place between 7am-4pm, Monday 4 February. Temporary fencing will be installed along South Perth Esplanade between the Echelon development and Coco's restaurant and around a section of the South Perth Foreshore to secure the construction site.

Construction works

Construction works will commence from Tuesday 5 February 2019. Works will include the upgrade of roads, footpaths, paved areas and the installation of new timber decking, lighting, hard and soft landscaping, street furniture, drainage and themed steel animal canopies.

Contractor MG Group will ensure the site is kept secure and that dust and noise is minimised during construction.

Parking, traffic and road closures

• Traffic will be managed throughout the project
• Mends Street will be reduced to one north bound lane only
• Bi-directional traffic movements will be maintained on South Perth Esplanade
• Access to properties and businesses will be maintained
• A number of parking bays on South Perth Esplanade will be restricted to facilitate the works
• Occasional road closures to facilitate key works 
• Works will mainly be confined to the hours of 7am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, although it may occasionally be necessary to work outside these hours for specific reasons

The City will notify the community including residents and businesses in advance of works, parking, traffic and road closures where necessary

The City understand that these works may be disruptive and we thank the community and all stakeholders in advance for their understanding and cooperation during the construction works of this important revitalisation project.

For further project details visit the Connect South project page of the City's website.