Bailey walks the talk on pedestrians

In a bid to restore the former glory of Midland's original main street, Kevin Bailey has suggested Swan investigate the rejuvenation of the precinct.

Councillors at their last meeting supported the idea and a $20,000 study is now underway.

The proposed restructure would replace two-way traffic from Spring Park Road to Stafford Street with single-lane, one-way traffic and expand pedestrian space.

Cr Bailey envisages more alfresco dining, landscaping and useable public space, while rezoning properties along the road would enable residential development above retailers.

He said by making more room for pedestrians, it would make people "stick around".

"We need to stop this obsession we have in making allowances for the car," he said.

Cr Bailey pointed to examples in Europe where streets had prospered by becoming more pedestrian and cycle friendly. He said Freiburg, Germany " recognised as one of the world's most liveable, sustainable and child-friendly cities " was his inspiration.

Last November, City of Swan, bought the old Bankwest building along Old Great Northern Highway for $3.1 million.

The City is sourcing potential tenants but Cr Bailey said the building had potential to be heightened to house apartments.

Next door's parking lot could be turned into a multi-level car park in Cr Bailey's plan.

The city will do a traffic management study for the area to assess impacts on traffic flow and a report will be submitted to council.