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Town centre revival

Lauren PilatEastern Reporter

A lack of amenity and number of vacant shops in Bayswater led Ms Coates to move two motions at the May council meeting to improve the area.

Council voted to prepare a town centre structure plan in 2016-17 on both sides of the railway line, including the King William Street and Whatley Crescent commercial precincts, with $40,000 set aside in reserves for that year's budget.

As a precursory motion to the structure plan, council also voted in support of preparing an activation strategy for the town centre in 2015-16 to engage with locals, and develop community events and activities.

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Cr Michael Sabatino said Bayswater town centre was dying and council needed a plan otherwise the area would not become more vibrant.

Cr John Rifici agreed there was a need for the plan but could not support the estimated reserve funds that "handcuffed" the future council.

Cr Coates said the structure plan would outline opportunities for transport options, streetscape design, pedestrian/cycling access, residential density, retail/commercial mix, town centre management and activation.

"Bayswater town site has a lot going for it including transport, river access, a major bike path into the city, library, parkland, and character, heritage and charm," she said.

"And it is that uniqueness (the heritage and character) that sets it apart from newer suburbs.

"But you just need to walk down the street to see the need for a structure plan."

Cr Coates said the plan would allow proper co-ordination of infrastructure and allow it to be developed in line with major State projects such as the Forresfield-Airport Link rail project.

She said the idea behind the activation strategy was to enhance the area by offering open air dance nights, festivals and plays similar to those held outside the Perth Cultural Centre.

"We need to make it a liveable and loveable community hub," she said.

"We need to make it a busy place, alive with activity.

"Let's give our City of Bayswater's namesake town centre the attention she deserves."