The Federal and State Government along with the City of Perth are currently unveiling the eleven transformative projects and initiatives included in the Perth City Deal.
The agreement, worth $1.5 billion, has been a longstanding Property Council advocacy priority and we strongly welcome this morning’s announcement from all parties.
As anticipated, the university sector underpins the agreement, with ECU, Curtin University and Murdoch University to increase their CBD footprint significantly. In total, over 25,000 students are expected to move around the CBD when their campuses are operating.
The projects and initiatives are summarised below:
Edith Cowan University
ECU will move WAAPA, its business, law and technology students into a new City Campus. ECU’s existing sites will revert to State Government control, with masterplans to be developed for those locations.
The planning, design and construction of ECU’s new City Campus is expected to create 1,000 ongoing direct jobs and cost $695 million. From 2025, the campus will draw 9,200 ECU students and staff into the Perth CBD.
Murdoch University
Murdoch will establish a long mooted vertical campus in the CBD with a focus on STEM and digital cultural connections with both the local indigenous community and South East Asia.
Curtin University
Curtin will expand its existing campus in the eastern Historic Heart of the city, including the development of a knowledge and innovation precinct.
Murdoch and Curtin will share $360 million of funding between governments and the universities to realise these aims.
Perth CBD Transport Plan
Building on the recent announcement of a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge between Victoria Park and East Perth, $105 million has been allocated to enhance active and public transport links, including bus stops and accessibility on Roe Street.
Perth Cultural Centre and Perth Concert Hall
Lighting, security and wayfinding initiatives will form part of $20 million allocated to the Perth Cultural Centre around Northbridge. Some of this funding will also be used to develop a better vision for the precinct and explore ways to enhance the area as a destination for local and other visitors.
A further $42 million will be used to upgrade and improve the Perth Concert Hall to ensure it is a world class music venue.
East Perth
East Perth will receive additional funding for existing plans aimed at renewing the area. There will $20 million spent on improving connections, infrastructure and preservation around the East Perth Power Station ahead of its proposed redevelopment.
A new swimming pool and sports centre located at the WACA Ground will receive $100 million.
Indigenous initiatives
A total of $14 million will be used to develop an Indigenous Business and Employment Hub, run in partnership with the Wirrapanda Foundation, with $4 million of that to be spent on a pre-feasibility study for an Aboriginal Cultural Centre. This expands on other indigenous initiatives integrated into Murdoch University’s projects.
Homelessness package
The City Deal will deliver $36 million for improved facilities and services for homelessness in the City, with a focus on increased safety for people experiencing homelessness within the CBD.
National Space, Robotics and AI Command Complex
An Australian Space, Robotics, Automation and AI Command Complex will be established at a cost of $18 million. The complex will facilitate collaboration between start-ups, researchers and small businesses working to support Australia’s emerging space industry.
Before and during COVID-19, the Property Council has been a consistent supporter and advocate for a Perth City Deal. In 2020 alone, we launched Project90K in conjunction with Urbis to look at the needs that come with a higher residential population. We also recommended a Perth City Deal in our COVID recovery advocacy and in our recent submission to Infrastructure WA’s State Infrastructure Strategy paper.
The projects included in this City Deal are expected to benefit the property industry by increasing activation within the CBD, creating opportunities for non-CBD sites that will be repurposed by ECU’s move and supporting residential development needed to sustain the influx of students studying and living in the CBD.
