TRANSPORT-driven urban design is on track around the proposed Forrestfield airport and city-rail link.
Public submissions on the transit hub plan are under review, with a report due shortly to the Shire of Kalamunda.
The Shire confirmed a small number of properties impacted by the train station development were subject to compulsory land acquisition.
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READ NOW“The Shire of Kalamunda is not proposing to undertake any land acquisitions. However, we understand that the State Government has progressed negotiations with some landowners,” acting chief executive Gary Ticehurst said.
“Once the submissions have been summarised and addressed, the District Structure Plan (DSP) will be sent back to Council for consideration within the next couple of months.”
The WA Planning Commission will then receive the DSP with the Shire’s recommendation.
An approved DSP gives high-level guidance for development and permits work to start on local structure plans, which provide more detail at individual lot level.
A town centre bordered by high to medium-density housing and light industry features in the DSP, under development with the Department of Planning and Public Transport Authority.
The Forrestfield station precinct covers about 250ha and includes several areas of park and recreational space.
“Whilst it is premature to speculate about how the development will look, the Shire expects similar outcomes to contemporary train station developments such as Cockburn Central, which offer a wide range of residential, office, retail and entertainment options,” Mr Ticehurst said.
Light industrial development will service businesses with easy access to the airport, city and Roe and Tonkin highways.
Forrestfield MLA Nathan Morton said Forrestfield and High Wycombe were suburbs “on the move”.
“This development will truly transform the foothills with a first-class activity centre, bringing a wide range of amenity and, importantly, local jobs as well,” Mr Morton said.
The planning phase for the rail link will take two to three years, with the railway station scheduled for completion in 2020.
Property developers also anticipate the airport and city link will be a huge drawcard to Forrestfield and the surrounding Hills suburbs.
“Projects of this magnitude and scale of impact only happen every 10 years in the Perth market, so it presents a truly unique and rare opportunity for all surrounding residents,” said Gavin Hegney, of Hegney Property Group.