Undergrounding a portion of the Perth-to-Fremantle railway line to reunite the CBD with Northbridge is firmly on track after the Gallop Government today announced it would request the East Perth Redevelopment Authority (EPRA) to take on the project.
The 'Northbridge Link' project was first committed by the Premier in January, including a Government contribution of approximately $25million with matching funds to be sought from the City of Perth.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Cabinet had agreed to place the precinct under EPRA and approved an amendment to its existing project area boundary to include Northbridge Link so as to deliver integrated planning and redevelopment for the area.
"It is a very complex project that will start next year," Ms MacTiernan said.
"It will take 10 to 15 years to complete and is well suited to the skills and experience of EPRA."
The Minister said the project was one of several that would transform Perth into a vibrant, world-class city - including the rejuvenation of the adjoining Perth Cultural Centre, Riverside at East Perth and the East Perth Power Station.
"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Perth CBD reunited with the Northbridge entertainment district and it will deliver massive social, environmental and economic benefits to the city and to all Western Australians," she said.
"The City of Perth has already shown strong support for the project so we are confident that their contribution will make this holy grail of city planning a reality."
Ms MacTiernan said although the City of Perth had been briefed on the project it still needed to formally resolve its position and publicly advertise the proposal.
The Minister and the city agreed at a recent meeting to move the project forward by changing boundaries while the city was going through its processes.
Northbridge Link is estimated to have a potential economic impact of up to $800million, providing 500 jobs during construction and more than 100,000sqm of commercial and retail space and 2,400 residential units.
It will enable a King Street - Lake Street connection and also bring about considerable social outcomes such as improved public safety, improved access, and public open space.
It will see the Perth-to-Fremantle line sunk to Lake Street, where the new Mandurah-to-Clarkson line will also emerge, and includes replacing the ageing Wellington Street bus station with an underground facility to provide new and improved levels of passenger comfort.