Work can start on the $2 billion redevelopment of a large derelict tract of Perth after the state Government yesterday signed off on the final planning approval for the Northbridge Link project, giving the green light for private-sector investment.
Premier Colin Barnett said the commercial, residential and entertainment project was fundamental to the development of Perth city, once dubbed Dullsville because the CBD empties out at the close of business because of a lack of city housing.
But the Government has not yet secured $132 million from the commonwealth's Building Australia Fund to help pay for sinking a section of the Fremantle railway line, which separates Perth from the Northbridge entertainment district.
"If the commonwealth doesn't come into it, then we still intend to go ahead, but it's going to be more difficult and it might not happen quite so quickly," Mr Barnett said.
The existing Entertainment Centre building, owned by Kerry Stokes' Seven Network, will be demolished and the entire three-block area will be redeveloped. The master plan, released last June, was kept intact except for the likely addition of a town square.
"We will create a significant town square because that area ultimately will be the centre of Perth, it might be in 50 years' time but ultimately that will be the centre of Perth, " Mr Barnett said.
"There will be a connection between the commercial part of the city, the arts precinct and the hospitality and entertainment area of Northbridge."
Ground works for the area around the 14,000-seat Perth Arena, now under construction, will be completed next month and the land released for sale in October. Despite the economic downturn, Planning Minister John Day said an estimated $2 billion in private-sector investment was expected.
He said construction of the first buildings should start within the next 2 1/2 years. Perth Deputy Lord Mayor Janet Davidson said it was "a great stimulus for the city".
Sean Morrison, chairman of Future Perth, a group of town planners, architects and other professionals dedicated to building a more vibrant city, was pleased at the amount of open space proposed.
"It's a massive step forward and hopefully some of the energy of Northbridge can flow into the city," he said.
"There's a lot of urban blight in Northbridge that will hopefully start to be restored once the development gets under way."
The redevelopment plan was first announced by former premier Geoff Gallop in January 2005. Dr Gallop said it would help change the face of Perth and cast off the Dullsville tag.
Mr Barnett also cites the redevelopment of Perth's Swan River foreshore as essential to the city's future.
But his Government has scrapped Labor's plans, which would have included high rise, and has ordered a more modest plan be prepared within 12 months.
