FAQs

The Claisebrook Cove Public Realm Rectification Plan aims to improve site function, amenity and access for residents, businesses, and visitors. The project focusses on retaining and enhancing the existing character and treatments around the Cove rather than proposing a complete upgrade which would be costly and disruptive to the community.

Key deliverables of the plan include:

• A Concept Plan to guide future works over a 10-year period.
• Lake Study – a study which identifies solutions to address the current issues.
• Jetty Feasibility Study – a study to address the existing structures poor capacity and community requirements for additional facilities.

The Claisebrook area was once an important industrial site and home to the East Perth Gasworks. Following its closure in 1971, the site was left unused and fell into degradation. 

In 1991, the Federal Government’s Building Better Cities program provided a $32m grant, along with State Government investment, that started the regeneration process of the area, primarily through the East Perth Redevelopment Authority. Extensive remediation and rehabilitation of the environment was an important part of this project, in cleaning up contamination from years of industrial use. 

The original vision for Claisebrook Village was to create a modern urban community, while restoring the river setting and enhancing the area’s rich heritage. This setting included a complex system of man-made lakes and streams, extensive landscaping, public art and promenades. 

While the public realm was originally constructed 30 years ago to a high quality and has served the community well, many issues are now being experienced as the original assets age concurrently. This is having an impact on the quality of the public realm and generates a high frequency of feedback from the local community.

The issues broadly fall into the below categories:

1. Critical infrastructure
2. Access
3. Amenity

The critical infrastructure issues in Claisebrook Cove are applicable to the lake, The Greenway Stream which runs from Fielder Street to the Cove and failing retaining walls across the site. The issues within each of these areas are described below.

Claisebrook Lake – The lake’s primary function is a reservoir for irrigation water. It provides a crucial water source for the city in a drying climate and provides important habitat for wildlife.

The lake is costly to maintain and is experiencing significant water loss due to the following issues:

• Poor condition of the lake liner due to its age
• Shallow depth causes algae growth, particularly in the warmer months
• Existing infrastructure such as the pump and UV filter needing replacement

The Greenway Stream – It was originally developed by an artist and is a public art piece that includes a series of individual public art items throughout. Additional information on the public art within Claisebrook Cove is available here: https://www.eastperthcommunity.org.au/claisebrook-family-art-walk 

Several elements of The Greenway Stream are failing and causing significant issues. These issues are described below:

• Walls are degrading and separating/lifting from mortar
• High ongoing cost and maintenance due to failing infrastructure e.g. pump issues
• Algae issues, particularly in the warmer months
• Dated infrastructure such as bridge crossings

Retaining walls – Wall infrastructure in several locations across the site is deteriorating. This is particularly evident along the southern side of the Cove near the alfresco areas and in the parkland surrounding Claisebrook Lake.

• Tree roots which are lifting pavements and causing uneven surfaces and trip hazards
• Access is non-compliant for all abilities e.g. jetties
• Poor path alignments and narrow pinch points creating conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists

• Aging site furniture
• Underutilised open space e.g. open space surrounding the Lake
• Failing planting e.g. shade of existing trees impacting understorey growth
• Lack of enhancement lighting
• Lack of activation e.g. terraces on the northern side of the Cove

Yes. The results from the Ideas Plan engagement have been used to inform the Concept Plan. A summary of how the feedback has been addressed is outlined in the FAQ Question 8.

Yes. The results from the Jetty Engagement have been used to inform the Concept Plan. The existing jetties have poor capacity and do not support a variety of craft types and uses. Additionally, access to the structures is currently non-compliant. A summary of how the feedback has been addressed is outlined in the FAQ Question 8.

North jetty (located near Mardalup Park) – An accessible boardwalk, floating jetty suitable for boats 10m in length and a kayak jetty is proposed.

South jetty (located adjacent to The Royal) – An accessible boardwalk and floating jetty suitable for boats 12m in length is proposed.

The survey information will be used for reporting to Council and will help inform the next stage of detailed design.

It’s anticipated future works will be undertaken in two (2) stages as illustrated below to minimise disruptions to residents and businesses,

• Stage 1 – Lake Area and Surrounds
• Stage 2 – Claisebrook Cove (Jetty works are contingent on State Government dredging and a commencement date on these works is yet to be confirmed)

Figure 2 – Future staging

Dredging in Claisebrook Cove is being undertaken by the State Government. The aim of the dredging is to improve recreational opportunities within the Cove and improve access to the jetties. Analysis is being undertaken to determine the depth to which the Cove will be dredged and current levels of contamination to inform a Dredging Management Plan. A commencement date for dredging is yet to be confirmed. The dredging works and proposals for the jetties are being coordinated between the City of Perth and State Government.