New plan for South Freo power station
Landcorp has revealed its vision to transform the old South Fremantle power station and surrounding area with more than 900 homes and public attractions, including galleries, bars, shops and small offices.
WA’s land development agency’s master plan, which was developed on behalf of owner Synergy, aims to regenerate the derelict North Coogee site into a drawcard like the UK’s Tate Modern Gallery and the Sydney Power House.
The heritage-listed old power station, which has been closed since 1985, will be redeveloped to contain apartments and space for public and commercial use.
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said it was important the old power station building was renovated for community use, at least in part.
“It’s a magnificent building, iconic and a real landmark and has been for 50 years. It’s pleasing to see there will be some work done to bring it into the community instead of being fenced off and broken. Let’s clean it up and get it moving,” he said.
Mr Howlett estimated it would be take between five to eight years for the plans to be put into action and for construction to get underway.
Housing will be built on land within part of the power station and on land surrounding it. The master plan said some new properties will be above the power station structure, “providing high quality views across the Indian Ocean to Rottnest and Garden Island”.
The lower floors of the power station will be dedicated to public events, shops and offices, while a piazza will be built to the north of it.
The foreshore will be landscaped, with boardwalks, a cafe and a water feature area with ponds, swimming pools and a playground.
Mr Howlett said it was important to maximise the public use of the 10.6-hectare site to make it worthwhile for the installation of a light rail connection, as well as a rapid bus transit station.
But the master plan does not include a new marina for the area, which was earlier touted as having the potential to be Perth’s version of London’s Docklands with 400 to 500 boat pens.
Mr Howlett said the City of Cockburn worked with Landcorp on the master plan and the omission of the marina was recognition of the stage the project was at and the need to make progress.
“There’s an opportunity to consider a marina development at a later date, but we need to keep the whole thing moving and not complicate it by introducing a marina which will take two to three years to get through environmental assessments and slow the whole project,” he said.
Submissions on the master plan, which is available in full on the City of Cockburn website, will be accepted until September 2.
