Connect South
The Connect South project has grown from the South Perth Foreshore Strategy and Management Plan which identified Node 1: Mends Street as a key area to redevelop.
Connect South encompasses the Mends Street Jetty foreshore, Mends Street, Harper Terrace and Windsor Park.
The project focused on improving public amenity via place activation, wayfinding, access to transport and greater economic opportunity. The Connect South Mends Street project will transform Mends Street to become the urban heart of South Perth and a destination for regional and international visitors.
Three key themes ‘Perth Zoo’, ‘A Garden Suburb’ and ‘Public Transport’ were identified during the public consultation as being significant in shaping the development of this area and defining its character. The Connect South designs draw on these themes.
The estimated project cost of $7.5 million was made possible with $2.5 million from National Stronger Regions Round 3 funding and $5 million from the City of South Perth.
Stage 1 - now open
A vibrant entry point has been created leading visitors up Mends Street to Perth Zoo and greater South Perth. The new piazza provides an engaging visitor experience with its active and passive spaces featuring a range of seating options and feature lighting. Two giant canopies in the shape of a frilled neck lizard and numbat now welcome visitors from the ferry and provide shade and weather protection.
The piazza is now the stage for an exciting nocturnal artwork using light, sound and projection to represent the cycles and rhythms of country from an Aboriginal perspective. Gobo projectors are used to share ancient stories of this place, ensuring Whadjuk Noongar culture is at the centre and a highlight of the new area.
Construction
Construction for Stage One included the development of a piazza on the Mends Street foreshore along with minor upgrades to Mends Street North. The works were completed in January 2020.
Construction progress
Background
Progress
