CITY of Vincent Mayor Emma Cole has welcomed a $30 million funding commitment from the State Government for the abandoned East Perth Power Station site.
The 103-year-old station stopped operating in 1981 and has been left empty for decades.
The funding is set to be part of this week’s State Budget and will go towards de-constraining the 8.5ha site’s energy infrastructure, including a Western Power electricity switchyard that is still in use.
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“The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority’s vision for the site celebrates the natural beauty of the foreshore and the important history of the site, including its cultural significance to Whadjuk Noongar people,” Ms Cole said.
“This vision complements our own masterplan for neighbouring Banks Reserve released earlier this year.”
Premier Mark McGowan said there were various examples of former industrial sites being repurposed across the country, noting in particular MONA in Hobart, and said the power station space could be used for an indigenous art gallery.
“What we’re going to do is bring forward an exciting new development here in the power station, some land development opportunities around it, which might involve housing or innovative ways of people living here and some commercial opportunities all in proximity to the redeveloped East Perth train station,” he said.
The timing of the site works is due to be finalised later in the year, with the Government hoping the works will provide confidence to developers interested in taking over the location.
Ms Cole said the City would like to see a mix of business and residential development alongside high-quality public open space that was considerate of the riverfront ecosystem.
“We’d also love to see inspiring public art and opportunities for creative, recreation and play spaces for all ages,” she said.
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