General Information

The planning goals of EPRA are based on the creation of a sustainable ‘Urban Village’. This urban design concept is focused on reflecting the existing qualities of the area, including the river and heritage.

EPRA’s planning and design allows for a mixture of lifestyle and business, creating a cosmopolitan feel.

The ‘Urban Village’ integrates residential housing, retail shops, commercial buildings, educational facilities, recreational parks, open spaces and other public areas.

It is designed to facilitate non-motor vehicle dependent access. Planning incorporates pedestrian and cycle links between the project area, the CBD and natural attractions such as the Swan River.

Some of the key initiatives are:

• Encourage Pedestrians and Cyclists
  • Local streets are designed to encourage low speed traffic movement and safe, convenient access for all users, including the disabled, while a well-lit walking and cycling networks link major activity centres to public transport.
• Support Public Transport
  • The projected population of each project ensures the provision of quality, high frequency bus services that provide direct links to the CBD. Where appropriate, provision will be made for a ferry terminal, to accommodate water-based public transport such as water taxis and ferries.
• Refine the Road Networks
  • Changes will be made to improve the area's road system. Road widths will be narrowed in some streets and embayed parking created.
  • This will allow for new street tree plantings, traffic calming methods and improved the pedestrian environment. Other roads will be upgraded to improve the general amenity, appearance and access of the area as well as creating a cyclist and pedestrian-friendly environment.
  • While an efficient road network is essential, motor vehicle movement will no longer be given predominance. The goal is to provide a balanced transportation network with an emphasis upon connectivity, amenity and integration.
• Provision of Adequate Parking
  • Short-term on-street parking bays are available at selected locations throughout the precinct and provision has also been made for both short and long-term off-street parking.
• Sustainability
  • Design guidelines ensure developments contribute to environmental sustainability. Buildings are energy rated. Building orientation and shading conforms to passive solar design principles, while water sensitive design ensures development not only has minimal environmental impact, but also encourages sustainable water usage.
• Environment and Landscape
  • Each precinct is designed to have its own distinctive character. The streetscapes and pathways, buildings and public art help define this character while also supporting community activity in the precinct.
• Buildings
  • Project areas have a variety of accommodation, from single, two, three and four bed apartments to multi-storey condominiums and terrace style housing as well as refurbished heritage buildings. They may include high-density housing types not commonly found in Perth.
  • Cities with a higher density have some notable advantages. They contain a critical mass of population that supports a wide range of community infrastructure, reduces car travel and positively supports pedestrian and cyclist travel.
  • Residential apartments and buildings are close to shops, cafes and offices. Varying building textures and detail will help to define the identity of each area.
• Mixed-use development
  • Mixed-use development is a critical ingredient in the success of the project areas. This involves careful integration of residential, retail, commercial, recreational, community and educational land uses.
• Affordable housing
  • 10-15% of all dwellings in new developments are set aside for social or affordable housing, to encourage demographic and socio-economic diversity.
    Public safety
• Public Safety
• Public safety is enhanced by mixed-use development and the focus on pedestrians, which bring the streets alive. Specific measures to promote public safety include improved lighting, neighbourhood surveillance and well-designed public spaces.