The proposed view of Elizabeth Quay from Station Park

Project WA

Last Updated: 25 Aug 2014
Claire Watkins

The face of WA is changing fast, its sustained, long-term growth in the form of numerous billion-dollar developments that will mark the state as a global presence.

Bathers Beach House

A renovation and reimagining of the Fishermen's Co-Op in Fremantle, Bathers Beach House will see a connection between bistro and beach unlike anything else in WA.

The original 1947 building presented an art deco facade to the city but turned its back to the beach, and 40 years of poor additions had left the structure in a disparate state.

McDonald Jones Architects chose to strip away the barnacles of previous additions and trace the perimeter with a unifying colonnade. The colonnade bends as it meets the reimagined beachfront facade of the Fishermen's Co-Op, creating a fine, elegant and layered linear form that references the period of the original building.

A multi-layered operable west facade balances the desire for views with the prevailing wind conditions and glare of the setting sun, allowing both spaces to open up and become deep terraces.

The interior of the ground floor seeks to provide the same cool relief that one can experience under a beachside cliff's overhang, while the upstairs provides the sensation of being on top of that cliff.

The interior, by Carly Barrett of Project 857, presents casual beachside sophistication using lime-washed, recycled timbers, illustrated walls, sculptural light installations and rich tile layouts.

Timeline Open for operation December 2014
Size Over two levels, 510sqm of internal seating area and 375sqm of alfresco seating area

Mirvac Office Tower

Created by Mirvac in collaboration with Kerry Hill Architects, the Office Tower is part of the Cathedral + Treasury Precinct, and is set to become a new focal point in Perth's CBD.

Rising 33 storeys above St Georges Terrace at the corner of Barrack Street, the building will provide highly efficient, comfortable workspaces with exceptional indoor air quality. Its elegant structure and highly transparent facade complement the beauty of surrounding heritage buildings, while combining contemporary design and state-of-the-art sustainability technology.

As the first building in Perth to feature a gas-fired tri-generation plant that offers a low-carbon method of providing power, heating and cooling, the project has been awarded a 5-Star Green Star Office Design v3 Certified Rating. It is also targeting a 4.5-star NABERS rating for energy performance, indoor environment, water efficiency, construction-waste recycling, and the promotion of sustainable transport, including secure bike storage.

Co-owners Mirvac and Keppel REIT will receive a 99-year ground lease on the building, while 98 per cent is pre-committed under a sublease to the State Government of Western Australia.

Timeline Completion due late 2015
Size 30,600sqm

Cathedral + Treasury Precinct

A significant transformation of one of the most historically important and iconic sites in the Perth CBD is well underway at the Cathedral + Treasury Precinct.

Bordered by St Georges Terrace, Barrack Street, Hay Street and Pier Street, the project involves the restoration of the Treasury buildings, a new 33-level office tower, and the new City of Perth Library by Kerry Hill Architects, plus the refurbishment of 565 Hay Street by Cameron Chisholm & Nicol, construction of the new St George's Chambers, and an upgrade to St George's Plaza.

The first major civic building to be built since the Perth Concert Hall 40 years ago, the City of Perth Library will be spread out over five levels.
The restored Treasury Buildings will make way for a luxury hotel with a day spa, gym and pool facility, plus a vibrant mix of retail and hospitality offerings, including a glass rooftop restaurant.

Retail on the ground floor of 565 Hay Street will enjoy the busy streetfront foot traffic, while the rest of the building will provide approximately 7500sqm of Grade A commercial office space over 11 levels, including the ground-floor lobby.

Cost In excess of $580 million
Timeline Completion due 2015

Perth Airport

Works are fast progressing on the Domestic Pier, and International Arrivals and Departures expansion projects, carried out by Woods Bagot and HASSELL.

Built Environs (part of the McConnell Dowell Group) is delivering the Perth Airport Terminal 1 (T1) Domestic Pier and International Departures Expansion project, and is the largest component of the $750 million redevelopment program. Designed to cater for Virgin's wide-bodied domestic A330 aircraft, the Domestic Pier will feature a new Virgin Australia guest lounge and a spacious shopping area with a variety of retail offerings.

Refurbishment is currently underway on the expanded and enhanced customs, baggage reclaim, quarantine and duty-free retail areas that are set to transform the International Arrivals project. The $80 million transformation of the 'international arrivals journey' is part of Perth Airport's overall redevelopment program. The Departures wing will make way for the new and larger outbound immigration and passenger security screening areas, and an improved retail space. The first phase of this, where immigration was relocated from ground floor to the first floor and next to the new walk-through JR Duty Free store, was opened in November 2013.

Cost $750 million
Timeline Second phase of the International Terminal expansion due for completion in late 2014; International Departures first-floor redevelopment due early 2015

Fiona Stanley Hospital

The largest building infrastructure undertaken by the State Government, Fiona Stanley Hospital was completed in December 2013, impressively ahead of time and within budget.

Chosen for its central, south-of-Perth location, the adjacent established health and learning institutes, and access to major roads and public transport, the 32ha site will be the major tertiary health facility in the south metropolitan area.
The 783-bed hospital is the result of investments from both state and federal governments, and a collaboration between Brookfield Multiplex and design firms Silver Thomas Hanley, HASSELL and Hames Sharley. Major facilities include the state burns service, a comprehensive cancer centre, state-of-the-art emergency care, and the $255 million 140-bed state rehabilitation service, funded by the Australian Government.

More than five hectares of natural bush land, parks, internal gardens, courtyards and plazas are integrated within the site, which uses enough power and light cabling to stretch from Perth to Exmouth. Parking is available for 3600 vehicles.

Cost $2 billion
Timeline The hospital will open in a four-phased sequence commencing in October 2014
Size 32ha site, including 155,000sqm of floor space

Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, North

Officially opened on March 11, 2014 by Prime Minister Tony Abbott, the new headquarters for the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research building is at the heart of the state's premier new research precinct on the QEII Medical Centre.

Hames Sharley made a dramatic departure from the orthodox, 'three-layered cake' style of laboratory design, where two layers of laboratories and one layer of offices are typically adopted. Instead, the 10-storey building will house more than 700 of the state's top adult health researchers, and include five levels of laboratory space with general and specialist support labs, imaging facilities, a bio-resource facility, clinical research areas, offices, hot desks, seminar and video conferencing facilities, as well as a 250-seat auditorium, quiet spaces, cafe, exhibition gallery and multimedia installations.

Funded by Lotterywest, a giant electronic artwork covering almost 100sqm spreads across three double-sided digital banners and provides an eye-catching feature in the double-storey entry foyer. An even larger installation at the western end of the foyer features a single backlit membrane printed with oversized MRI scan images of a male and female volunteer. Two digital screens move in front of each images, stopping at points to run videos on Perkins' research relating to each part of the body.

Cost $122 million
Timeline Completed November 2013
Size 20,200sqm

Scarborough Redevelopment

Drawing on Scarborough's unique identity, the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) together with the City of Stirling is preparing for a major revitalisation of the beachfront area to create a more vibrant hub of activity.

A range of daytime and evening events and activities will be on offer for people of all ages, while the promise of new cafes, restaurants, shops and bars – such as the Matisse Beach Club and Rendezvous development – are already creating
a buzz in the local community.

MRA's initial investment has seen the installation of public art, free WiFi along the beach, feature lighting and a funding boost for the City of Stirling's summer events program.

The State Government authority is working on a draft masterplan for the project, which will be released for public comment in 2014.

Major improvements in the area from the masterplan are expected to include new pedestrian promenades along the beachfront, a children's playground, landscaping and improvements to beach access and parking.

The MRA will also be working with the private sector and private landowners to bring more residential, commercial and hotel options to the area, thereby ensuring that Scarborough remains one of the most popular beachfront destinations in the country.

Cost $60 million
Size 100ha

Perth Cultural Centre

Thousands of people are re-engaging with the Perth Cultural Centre, thanks to an investment of more than $35 million by the State Government through the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) and the Department of Culture and the Arts.

The project has already seen the installation of an urban orchard on a carpark rooftop, a giant Cultural Centre Screen and children's play space, plus free WiFi, improved lighting, security and signage, and new retail pods. Events, festivals, community planting days and public art are just a few elements that are attracting new groups of people to the city – in particular, families and children. The Perth Cultural Centre will also be home to the state's new $428 million museum.

The neighbouring heritage-listed William Street precinct is home to a niche strip of independent retailers, small bars and restaurants, as well as creative-industry tenants.

In 2015, the precinct will also welcome Hotel Alex, a 74-room hotel being developed by Adrian Fini, Nic Trimboli, David Martin, Miles Hull and Howard Cearns.

Cost $35 million
Timeline Ongoing development
Size 8.5ha

New WA Museum

Almost four times the size of the current WA Museum, the major State Government project that is the new Museum will be a place where visitors can explore their identity, culture and sense of place.

Located within the Perth Cultural Centre on the current museum site, the new museum buildings will connect with the existing heritage structures that will also be refurbished as part of the project.

Accessible and animated spaces will include new exhibitions sharing stories of the three major themes of Being Western Australian, Discovering Western Australia and Exploring the World. An interactive space will also connect visitors to research, investigation and conservation works going on behind the scenes at the Museum.

A major touring and special exhibition area, flexible areas for public programs, and function spaces, cafe and retail services will also be included in the project. Contemplative indoor and outdoor spaces for exploration and play will be introduced, along with permanent galleries and exhibitions to ensure maximum access to the state's collections, and repeated use by visitors.

Public consultation and engagement will be conducted throughout the life of the project, allowing the people of WA to have input into the featured spaces, stories and art.

With the New Museum project currently in the development phase, expressions of interest for the design/build team are due to be released late in 2014.

Cost $428.3 million
Timeline Pre-construction scheduled to commence in 2015, with project completion due 2020
Size Approximately 23,000sqm

Cockburn Central

Cockburn Central Town Centre is now home to more than 550 residents in 380 completed apartments, and is expected to house 2000 residents and generate employment for more than 1800 people.

Place-making and town-centre activation were integral in every aspect of the planning and delivery of the Cockburn Central project, with extensive planning dating back almost 13 years resulting in a great choice of lifestyle, recreation, employment and commercial activity.

Strategic planning has won LandCorp a coveted national award for the town centre, one of Western Australia's first activity centres.

The Town Square now offers not just a thoroughfare for the 5500 commuters who use the nearby bus and train interchange daily, but also a meeting place with communal grassed areas, a permanent ping-pong table, a water play park, and a sea-container pop-up cafe.

Cost $30 million land development works
Timeline Due for completion 2016
Size 12ha

Elizabeth Quay

Situated at the foot of Perth's central business district, the Elizabeth Quay waterfront precinct will bring the city and river together with a mix of offices, apartments, hotels, shops, bars and restaurants set around a 2.7ha inlet.

With improvements to the external road network, significant upgrades to water and power infrastructure, and the reconfiguration of jetties at Barrack Street Jetty now complete, Leighton Broad is currently constructing the inlet and public realm which is due for completion in spring 2015.

In 2013, Chevron (TAPL) Pty Ltd secured a 6795sqm site on the corner of Barrack Street and The Esplanade for its new headquarters, in a deal worth $64 million. Works are underway on the design of the building, with construction due to commence in late 2016.

Five proponents have been shortlisted as potential developers to join Chevron and The Ritz-Carlton. The two sites at the northern edge of the inlet offer potential for a mix of office, residential and retail development, with a preferred developer expected to be selected in late 2014.

A future place of work for 10,000 people and home to 1400 residents, Elizabeth Quay is expected to attract approximately four million visitors each year.

Cost $2.6 billion
Timeline Due to open to the public in 2015
Size 10ha

Ritz-Carlton & The Towers at Elizabeth Quay

Injecting a boost to Perth's luxury hotel scene, the 204-room Ritz-Carlton will see the first hotel development at Elizabeth Quay and the return of the brand to Australia.

Far East Consortium, one of Asia's largest property developers, will develop the five-star hotel, along with 420 residential apartments in two towers adjacent to the Bell Tower. Construction is expected to commence in 2015, bringing more than $350 million to the state's economy and creating approximately 1000 jobs during construction and future hotel operations.

Cost $350million
Timeline 2018 onwards
Size 6,800sqm

Riverside

Riverside's new commercial, retail, living, entertainment and recreation opportunities will encourage West Australians to interact with one of Perth's most unique and valuable assets – the Swan River.

Plans from the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) and other key landowners will deliver more than 90,000sqm of commercial and retail space, plus a vibrant mixed-use precinct of offices, shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, providing work for approximately 6000 people.

The Riverside project includes the Waterbank precinct to be delivered by Lend Lease. With direct Swan River frontage and views, Waterbank will include a natural beach area, public promenades, a large wetland, and direct connection from Hay Street to the Swan River via a new pier.

Located opposite the historic Queens Garden, the $450 million Queens Riverside development by Frasers Property Australia is well underway, with Fraser Suites Perth offering new hotel accommodation options in East Perth, and the second of four buildings – a 26-storey residential tower – scheduled for completion mid- to late 2014.

Further west, the MRA is currently seeking a developer for the former Chemistry Centre site. The future mixed-use development is expected to see heritage buildings adapted to incorporate new residential accommodation, a supermarket and a bustling high street for the growing East Perth community.

Cost $2.1 billion
Timeline Estimated completion 2020 onwards
Size 40ha

Perth City Link

The barrier between the city centre and Northbridge will be removed for the first time in more than 100 years, thanks to Perth City Link – one of Australia's most significant transit-oriented developments.

Rapidly changing the face of Perth, the project will create five new connections along with new residential, retail and commercial opportunities, and high-quality public spaces.

A Leighton Properties/Mirvac consortium will develop the State Government's land holdings, which makes up 40 per cent of the entire project. Below ground, rail works were completed six months ahead of schedule in December 2013, while Brookfield Multiplex has been appointed to build the new $249 million bus station by 2016, replacing the now demolished Wellington Street Bus Station.

Works on the landmark central square, located in the arms of the Horseshoe Bridge, are expected to commence in 2015. The result will see the integration of permanent food markets, lively public open spaces, an Australian native garden and Aboriginal artwork fringed by cafes, shops and alfresco dining.

The Perth City Link project is funded by three tiers of Government, with support from the Federal Government, from State Government through the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority and Public Transport Authority, and from the City of Perth.

Cost $5.3 billion
Timeline Due for completion in 2016
Size 13.5ha

Kings Square

Lying at the heart of Perth City Link and providing a key link to the underground public transport hub is the Kings Square development by Leighton Properties.

The world-class masterplanned precinct aims to reinvigorate the Perth CBD and draw billions of investment dollars into Perth through a vibrant mix of new transit, commercial and retail zones, along with public spaces and residential opportunities.

Once complete, Kings Square will contain 116,000sqm of office space, 8700sqm of retail space and 520 apartments. A range of lifestyle advantages will include a new childcare centre, a 24-hour gym, retail, restaurants and open spaces.

Major tenants already committed to Kings Square include HBF, Shell Australia, and John Holland, as well as Buggles Childcare Centre, a 24-hour Surge Health & Fitness gym, and tavern.

Cost Within the $5.2 billion Perth City Link development
Timeline First four towers due for completion in mid-2015
Size Up to 125,000sqm of commercial and retail space

New Perth Stadium and Sports Precinct

Attracting national and international events, the new Perth Stadium and Sports Precinct located on the Burswood Peninsula will enhance Perth's reputation as a world-class destination.

With a 'fans-first' approach to planning and design, the Stadium will offer an unrivalled spectator experience with exceptional views, event atmosphere and leading-edge technology. The 60,000-seat plan already has the potential to increase to 70,000, making the multi-purpose venue capable of hosting AFL, rugby union and league, soccer, cricket and entertainment. Opportunities for cafes, alfresco dining, playgrounds, community spaces and other infrastructure for event and non-event days will also be on offer.

The construction will include integrated train, bus and pedestrian solutions, and once complete, the new six-platform Stadium Station will be the second-largest station in Perth.

In April 2014, the State Government entered into contract negotiations with the preferred respondent, WESTADIUM, to design, build, finance and maintain the Stadium and Sports Precinct. It is expected the contract will have been awarded and the successful design revealed by mid-2014.

Cost Stadium $820.7 million; Sports Precinct $81.7 million; and transport infrastructure $339.2 million.
Timeline Due for completion in time for the start of the 2018 AFL season
Size 6ha of the northern portion of the Burswood Peninsula

Chinatown

With the first stage of works completed in early 2014, the State Government will continue to work with the City of Perth and landowners to revitalise Chinatown in a way that celebrates and enhances the area's unique character. The culturally significant space is set to become an exciting destination for families, locals and tourists. Visitors to the area will already see colourful banners and lanterns lining Roe Street, and new decking and screening featuring the 'lucky cloud' – a traditional Chinese motif that is associated with good luck – as well as an elevated, traditionally inspired Chinese garden. Plans are also in place to install permanent lighting, lanterns and vibrant street stencilling by the end of 2015.

Cost $2 million
Timeline Due for completion late 2015

Midland Redevelopment

The gateway to the Swan Valley region and Perth Hills continues to be transformed as part of a State Government-led urban renewal program, which began in 2000. Once complete, it will provide 2000 new residential dwellings and 7550 new jobs.

Planning control for almost half of the 261ha site has been returned to the City of Swan. The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority is currently undertaking a review of the masterplan for the remaining land, including the historic Railway Workshops precinct, city centre, and the 14ha former WA Meat Industry Authority sale yards site.

Providing a major health services centre for people living in the eastern suburbs, the GP Super Clinic opened in The Workshops in 2012 and construction of the new $360 million St John of God Midland Public Hospital is on track for completion in 2015. The hospital is jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth governments, with St John of God Health Care chosen as the State's partner to design, build and operate it.

With 307 beds, new critical care and chemotherapy services, and expanded emergency, maternity and newborn services, it will provide for approximately 29,000 inpatients in its first full year of operation.

Cost $510 million
Timeline 2020 onwards
Size 261ha

Mandurah Ocean Marina

Consisting of two precincts linked by a pedestrian footbridge, Mandurah Ocean Marina offers a host of cafes, restaurants, tourist and residential developments, and boating and fishing facilities.

The marina, which has been developed by LandCorp, has won numerous awards including the international PIANC Marina Excellence in Design award, and Australian Marina of the Year awards, as well as honours including Australia's Recreation and Tourism Marina and Australia's Marina Club award.

Mandurah Ocean Marina has proven to deliver economic and community benefits for the Peel region, and LandCorp has released and sold more lots in this site in the 2014 financial year than at any comparable stage in the past four years.

Cost estimated at $60 million
Timeline Completed
Size 60ha

Springs, Rivervale

ddressing the key topics of urban sprawl and creating communities where people want to work, live and play, an under-utilised parcel of land alongside the Swan River is being developed by LandCorp into a high-quality living environment with housing and commercial opportunities.

The transformation will include bicycle and pedestrian pathways, access to the river, dining and entertainment offerings, and public open spaces. When complete, it will be home to more than 1700 people and offer 10,000sqm of office space.

Situated just five kilometres from the Perth CBD, the first of eight complexes are under construction, with a strong demand for off-the-plan apartments.

Apartment developments include Spring View Towers and Arbor North by Finbar, Proximity Apartments by Blackburne Property Group, Ace Apartments by Oracle Projects, The Collective Apartments by Edge Visionary Living, Flo by Psaros, Regatta Apartments by Motus Architecture, and Tribeca by BGC. BGC also has plans to develop a hotel and office tower in the estate.

Timeline Due for completion in 2018
Size 14ha

Mandurah Junction

With Mandurah's population expected to grow to 117,000 by 2021, LandCorp's Mandurah Junction project will play an important role in providing employment prospects, much-needed housing choices, and opportunities for affordable living for people seeking reduced car usage.

Apartments in Mandurah currently make up just 6.1 per cent of the overall housing types, compared to 9.4 per cent in the Perth metropolitan area. Offering a vibrant community with a distinctive, laid-back Mandurah vibe, this high-quality development by LandCorp includes a mix of houses, townhouses, and apartments for up to 2000 people, as well as office and retail space.

Located adjacent to the Mandurah train station, bus interchange and 'park and ride' facility, it also caters to those who either don't have vehicles or who are looking to minimise their use.

Stage one landscaping works saw the creation of three new parks and recreation areas, complete with barbecue and picnic areas, interactive public art, walking and cycling tracks, a kickabout area, and a boardwalk.

Preparations for a community garden are currently underway with local not-for profit group, Intework.

Cost estimated at $22 million
Timeline Ongoing development
Size 15ha

Newman Town Centre Revitalisation

Works on the new town centre in Newman are well underway, with civil works now started on the construction of a new main street and the relocation and upgrade of power, water, sewer, and communications infrastructure.

Funded by Royalties for Regions under the State Government's Pilbara Cities initiative, LandCorp is working with the Shire of East Pilbara and BHP Billiton to develop Newman into a town capable of supporting a permanent population of 15,000 people.

Locals have already seen the implementation of a new attractive entrance to the town centre along Iron Ore Parade, along with renewed and shaded car parking, landscaping, art and improved infrastructure as part of stages one and two of the project.

A high level of public facilities and art, and shaded spaces in which to meet, shop and relax are all part of the town-square plans currently being finalised to ensure residents and visitors enjoy a high level of amenity.

Improved spaces, road networks and service infrastructure will attract a greater variety of retail shops, and encourage the redevelopment of existing outlets for a more diversified economy.

Cost Estimated at $40 million in total
Timeline Civil and road infrastructure due for completion late 2014; construction of new town square due for completion in 2015.
Size 4ha

Koombana Foreshore, Bunbury Waterfront

The next phase of LandCorp's rejuvenation of Bunbury Waterfront, the Koombana North project has delivered improvements to the Ski Beach – an area of the waterfront that borders the Koombana North development.

Koombana North will enhance connections between the CBD and its waterfront, attracting new investments over many years, and generating significant job opportunities in the local community. Plans for the mixed-use site include five buildings, each ranging from four to six storeys and offering residential, commercial/office, hospitality and retail opportunities. Two of the building sites lie along the public waterfront of the Koombana Bay foreshore, while the other three sites run alongside the main thoroughfare of Koombana Drive. Every residence and most businesses will have water views over Koombana Bay or Leschenault Inlet, while some will also enjoy views of the city. Upgrades to the foreshore have already seen better access to the beach for pedestrians and cyclists, while new landscaping offers stretches of grassed areas with barbecues, picnic tables, and viewing platforms overlooking the bay.

Koombana North is a collaboration between the State Government, LandCorp, City of Bunbury, Department of Planning and the Bunbury community, with assistance from South West Development Commission, Bunbury Port Authority, Department of Transport, and Urbis landscape architecture firm. Next in line for development is Marlston North, which will complete the southwestern edge of the Bunbury Waterfront.

Cost estimated at $20.3 million
Timeline Ongoing development
Size Koombana North, 12,945sqm; Marlston North, 13,224sqm

Busselton Health Campus

Bounded by the Bussell Highway to the south and the ocean to the north, the new Busselton Health Campus is part of the largest public hospital building program seen in the southern hemisphere.

Doric contractors and the novated design team led by HASSELL are constructing a two-storey building that will allow more southwest residents to receive top-quality medical care closer to home and at one location, including hospital, community health, community mental health and dental services. It will also provide valuable support to smaller facilities.

The building, at approximately 13,740sqm, consists of 84 beds (64 overnight beds, including a six-bed short-stay observation unit, plus six renal dialysis chairs and 14 same-day surgical beds), an expanded emergency department, two operating theatres, two birthing suites, a procedure room, expanded dental clinic, pathology, outpatient consulting rooms, and conference and meeting rooms. In addition, there will be improved Information Communications Technology and telehealth facilities. The retention of approximately 50 per cent of the site as a nature conservation area will benefit the Western ringtail possum.

The project is part of the WA government's Get the Bigger Picture initiative in Health, and will also offer improved road access through the creation of a four-way traffic light controlled intersection on Bussell Highway.

Cost $120.4 million
Timeline Completion of the main building due October 2014
Size 6.026ha site

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