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.

As part of this project an Ideas Plan has been developed which identifies key site issues and proposed solutions. This will inform the Concept Plan which is scheduled to be finalised later this year. The Ideas Plan divides the public realm of Claisebrook Cove in 14 areas. The issues and proposed solutions within these areas are explained below, in the attached Ideas Plan and on the map on the Engage Perth page. 

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 Ideas Plan proposes to replace the liner, review existing infrastructure (e.g. pump and UV filter) and reconfigure the lake to increase its depth and water storage capacity for irrigation. This will reduce ongoing maintenance costs, water loss and mitigate algae growth. Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and sustainability will be at the heart of the new lake design to ensure the capture, treatment and re-use of stormwater is in line with current best practice.

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

The Ideas Plan has identified the following possible solutions:

• New wall treatment (e.g. granite)
• Refurbish and rebuild The Greenway Stream in its current form to address the issues outlined above
• Opportunity to reinterpret The Greenway Stream style and alignment to provide additional benefits such as water harvesting and treatment

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. The Ideas Plan proposes a review of wall treatments and options for remediation.

• 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

The Ideas Plan proposes the following access improvements:

• New path treatment (e.g., boardwalk) along southern walkway of Claisebrook Lake
• New path alignments to improve site movement and reduce conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists
• Access to the jetties for all abilities

• 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

The Ideas Plan proposes the following amenity improvements:

• Feature lighting along the lower promenade on the southern side of the Cove
• Additional high-quality seating and picnic settings
• Small play elements in the open space surrounding Claisebrook Lake
• Additional gardens to replace poor performing lawn and understorey due to shade
• Revitalise existing terraces on the northern side of the Cove

Yes. The results from this recent engagement will be used to help inform the Jetty Feasibility Study. The existing jetties have poor capacity and do not support a variety of craft type and uses. Additionally, access to the structures is currently non-compliant.  

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 results of this survey will help inform which areas within Claisebrook Cove are priorities for improvement. This information will be used to guide future upgrades subject to budget approval.

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. It is expected works will commence within the next 12 months. The dredging works and proposals for the jetties are being coordinated between the City of Perth and State Government.

The final Plan will made available for the community to view on Engage Perth page early July 2023.