Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority chief executive Sean Henriques and Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin giving the new playground a test run.
Camera IconMetropolitan Redevelopment Authority chief executive Sean Henriques and Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin giving the new playground a test run. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie d480742

Scarborough’s $100m redevelopment finally open to the public

Laura PondStirling Times

SCARBOROUGH’S biggest transformation in more than 30 years is complete.

The $100 million redevelopment opened to the public today, with visitors able to acquaint themselves with the skate park and sports activities at the Snake Pit, relax under the arbours at Scarborough Square and have a whale of a time at the Lotterywest-funded children’s playground.

Other features of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority project are Sunset Hill, which has been attracting sunset watchers since late 2016, a grassed area with barbecue and toilet facilities, the cultural Tjunta Trail and new carparks.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Premier Mark McGowan believed the transformation rivalled other Australian beaches as one of the country’s top tourism destinations.

“Tourism is an important economic driver for our State and providing quality tourist experiences support us in attracting world-class events to Perth and facilitate ongoing investment and development,” he said.

“It’s splendid to see the newly refreshed Scarborough foreshore which will help attract more residents and visitors to the area.”

Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said changes had created an attractive, family-friendly atmosphere.

“The $100 million investment by the State Government and City of Stirling has transitioned Scarborough into a more contemporary beach destination created a strong foundation for future investment and development by the private sector,” she said.

Vera Rafferty (7), Monty Raffety (6) Doubleview and Harrison Williams (5) Scarborough (Blue hat) and Archie Toncich (3) Karrinyup (blue shirt) testing out the new playground.
Camera IconVera Rafferty (7), Monty Raffety (6) Doubleview and Harrison Williams (5) Scarborough (Blue hat) and Archie Toncich (3) Karrinyup (blue shirt) testing out the new playground. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

The improvements have been a long time coming and Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said the City had been actively working on redeveloping Scarborough since 2001.

“With a skate bowl, basketball courts, magnificent playground, plenty of green space and public amenities sitting alongside the already-opened beach pool, the new Scarborough has something for everyone,” he said.

“The redevelopment will enable the local community and residents to enjoy a more social, healthy and active lifestyle in a very accessible and family-friendly way.

“It’s great to see the precinct restored to reflect the world-class natural environment and to present the completed project to local residents who have watched it unfold is an exciting moment.”

Cr Irwin acknowledged it had been a difficult journey, particularly for beachfront business owners, but believed it was an “incredible achievement” for the large-scale project to be completed in 18 months within a busy tourist precinct.

Scarborough Snake Pit.
Camera IconScarborough Snake Pit. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie d480742

He said 300 fulltime equivalent jobs were created through the pool project and nearly 8000 for the redevelopment, and recent events and activation events such as the Sunset Markets had attracted visitors.

“During February, people have been seen lining up down The Esplanade to get in to many of the afternoon and night venues, so we are really confident that with the precinct fully opened local residents and people from the wider Perth area will come to enjoy the space,” he said.

“The revamped Transit Hub and changes to parking and roads mean there is now better foot access between the businesses and the beachfront too.”

Construction continues on the Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club facilities, which will be completed later this year.

Scarborough will host the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships from April 14, which Cr Irwin said would give thousands of locals and national visitors the chance to enjoy the newly revitalised beachfront

MORE: Residents call for Shire of Mundaring CEO to be investigated for decision to prosecute two dogs acquitted of sheep killing

MORE: Construction of Yanchep rail extension likely to begin late 2019

MORE: Homestead 4 Youth helps man turn his life around after meth addiction