New Curtin University bus station to form vital part of planned hub

CURTIN University’s new bus station is set to form the epicentre of a planned innovation hub and further connect the university with the Perth CBD.

The $15 million Curtin Central Bus Station, located at the campus’ Kent Street entrance, will officially open on Sunday and operate in tandem with the existing station on Hayman Road.

The station will form a vital part of the university’s plan for the area known as Greater Curtin, the planned home of a five-storey, short-stay hotel near Curtin Hockey Stadium, featuring apartments and retail shops.

Curtin University vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the bus station would be one of the focal points of the Greater Curtin development and would complement the proposed recreational facilities, retail outlets and public spaces.

“Commuters will enjoy a centrally located hub in what will soon be a vibrant innovation precinct featuring accommodation, retail and leisure options,” she said.

The Metro Central Joint Development Assessment Panel approved four development applications for the precinct just before December, including the hotel and more than 900 student accommodation rooms.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the new station would be an important link between the university, the CBD and its surrounding areas.

“If you’re staying here, you’ll be able to catch the 960 route and head into a number of parts of the inner city,” she said.

“What we’ve seen in other states, they sell the overall vision for the university; not just what’s on campus, but its ability to be connected to other areas.

“I think Curtin will be able to sell to around the world, the ability to not only be staying here, but your ability to use public transport and be connected with a high frequency route.”

Bus routes 30, 33, 34, 101, 284 and 960 will be serviced by the station, with more services expected to gradually migrate to the station in the future.

There are no plans to close the existing bus station, but the new station will ease the burden by initially accommodating 944 trips on a typical weekday, including up to 80 during peak hours.

Curtin Central Bus Station services

Route 30 (Perth Busport to Curtin University via Labouchere Rd and Hope Av)

Route 33 (Elizabeth Quay Bus Station to Gillon St/Abjorson St via Victoria Park Transfer Station)

Route 34 (Perth Busport to Cannington Station via Como)

Route 101 (Canning Bridge Station to Curtin University Bus Station via Lawson St)

Route 284 (Belmont Forum Shopping Centre to Curtin University Bus Station via Albany Hwy)

Route 960 (Mirrabooka Bus Station to Curtin University Bus Station via ECU Mt Lawley and Perth)