IMAGINE catching a train from Balcatta or a tram along Karrinyup Road.
The City of Stirling plans to make these visions reality as part of its Better Suburbs project aimed at growing its northeastern suburbs.
Balga, Dianella, Mirrabooka, Nollamara, and Westminster, along with parts of Balcatta, Hamersley, Tuart Hill and Yokine, have been targeted for long-term development.
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READ NOWUnder the project, a light rail line would run along Wanneroo Road from a train station at the corner of Reid Highway in Balcatta, part of the State Government’s Metronet plan, to Perth CBD, and another along Karrinyup Road and Morley Drive to connect Karrinyup Shopping Centre and the Morley centre.
The City also wants light rail along Beaufort Street between Perth and Morley, and from Glendalough Station to Scarborough Beach.
The latter forms part of the Stirling City Centre project, which includes the Stephenson Avenue extension.
Mayor Mark Irwin said the Scarborough Beach Road line was the City’s priority and the other routes were expected to be built prior to 2050 to align with the State Government’s Perth and Peel @ 3.5 million plan.
“The City is currently lobbying both State and Federal Government to pioneer Australia’s first trackless tram that will connect to the existing Metronet rail network at Glendalough Station, ultimately linking the Perth CBD and the Stirling City Centre to the iconic tourist destination of Scarborough Beach,” he said.
Mr Irwin described the overall plan as “exciting and very forward-thinking”.
“Better Suburbs will see the redevelopment of Balga and Nollamara Shopping Centres to include dining plazas, redesigned parking and walking areas, and more space to meet friends,” he said.
“At the intersection of Wanneroo Road and Morley Drive, we are looking at innovative designs to accommodate more public transport options, such as light rail.”
The project also plans to upgrade verge landscaping and plant more trees to enhance biodiversity across the City and maintain house blocks sizes for larger households in Mirrabooka.
The City is seeking feedback on the plans and will hold information sessions at Herb Graham Recreation Centre in Mirrabooka on November 16 from 10am to 1pm and at Nollamara Community Centre on November 23 from 5pm to 8pm.
The plans are open for public consultation until December 12 here.
Better Suburbs proposal:
BALGA
– Redevelopment of Fieldgate Square and Balga Plaza to create business, lifestyle and residential hubs
– Increased tree canopy coverage and upgraded verge landscaping
– Residential development aimed at tree retention and providing alternative housing options
NOLLAMARA/WESTMINSTER
– Improved public open space
– Redevelopment of Stirling Central, Northlands and Nollamara shopping centres and the Wanneroo Road/Morley Drive junction
– Residential development aimed at improving aesthetic appeal
WANNEROO ROAD AND MORLEY DRIVE
– Increased residential density and more commercial development
– Street design to accommodate future provision of rapid bus and light rail
MIRRABOOKA
– Maintain large family-sized blocks
– Street design to prioritise pedestrians, enhance street function and improve the suburban character
– Redevelopment of Mirrabooka Village to increase activation
– Maintain high level of public open space
DIANELLA
– Potential for new local centres
– Street design to prioritise pedestrians
– Increased tree canopy coverage and upgraded verge landscaping