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Wish list to brighten up beach

Big picture: Local developer Robert Redmond. Picture: Ian Munro/The West Australian

Better nightlife, greater choice of venues and activity areas such as a skate park and markets have been identified on a long wish list of improvements for the revitalisation of Scarborough beach.

As the State Government's urban planning authority initiates the process to take over development control of the area, a new survey has revealed what Scarborough residents, visitors and tourists want most at the foreshore.

The Government and the City of Stirling will inject $60 million into Scarborough with the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority tasked with transforming 100ha of beachfront land into a world-class tourist destination.

Planning authority over the area is to be transferred from the council to the MRA, with the interim redevelopment scheme now open for public comment.

Planning Minister John Day said nearly 3000 people submitted ideas for the new beachfront which the MRA would consider in developing a master plan.

"Community support was high for simple things like more shade, seating, barbecues, pedestrian promenades and hire equipment such as bicycles, umbrellas and deck chairs," Mr Day said.

"On a larger scale, people also want to see major attractions like a skate park, a water play area and a bigger range of cafes, bars and restaurants and regular activities and entertainment including music, performers, outdoor films and markets."

The outdoor cinema concept is an idea local developer Robert Redmond hopes will soon be a reality. Mr Redmond, the director of I Spy Entertainment, proposed to build an outdoor cinema, restaurant and bar venue on top of an underutilised carpark on the beachfront.

His application was voted down by council in November but Mr Redmond plans to revive it.

"I'm really pleased to see that the idea of an outdoor cinema has had so much support," he said.

"This has definitely reinforced our determination to deliver our project and confirmed to us that this is something the wider community want. We are looking to resubmit our application as soon as planning authority is transferred and are confident moving forward with the MRA."

The redevelopment of Scarborough beach is expected to be completed in 2017.