A new chapter begins for Sir James Mitchell Park

Work will begin in the coming weeks on the Coode Street Riverbank Restoration project at Sir James Mitchell Park, with temporary access changes introduced to support construction activities. 

The project will help stabilise the riverbank, restore the foreshore environment and deliver long-term benefits for the river, local wildlife and the community. 

The restoration project is supported by a $2.1 million grant from the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust through the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program (URCP), $850,000 from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ Riverbank Program, and a $1.3 million investment from the City of South Perth. 

The project has a strong environmental focus, aiming to improve the health of the river by creating stronger habitat connections between existing foreshore wetlands and the river. The works will be delivered in two stages, restoring the foreshore area between the Scented Gardens and Djirda Miya. 

Stage 1 works will commence in August at the Coode Street foreshore and are expected to be completed by November. Works will include relocating the pedestrian path further inland, constructing headlands to reduce erosion, reshaping river beaches, reconnecting wetlands with the river, expanding wildlife habitat and improving pedestrian access around the Boatshed Café and recreation areas. 

Stage 2, planned for April to October 2027, will focus on the foreshore between the Boatshed Café and the boat ramp. 

Caution – work in progress 

As construction begins, a temporary construction fence will be installed around the work area. Pedestrian access will be maintained through signed detours, with traffic management measures in place to help pedestrians, cyclists and motorists safely navigate the area. 

Access to the Coode Street car park near the Boatshed Café will be restricted during construction, with part of the car park temporarily unavailable. 

Information signs with QR codes will be installed on the construction fencing, providing park users with updates and further information about the project. 

The City has already started preparing areas of turf within the work site for future planting as part of the foreshore restoration works. This preparation will support the establishment of new native vegetation and improved habitat once construction is complete. 

Park users are asked to follow all signage, fencing and directions while works are underway. 

The City will continue to provide updates on the Sir James Mitchell Park Enhancements webpage as the project progresses. You also can visit this page to see the detailed plan of how the area will be transformed and FAQs about the project.