FAQs
Why has the City prepared the Masterplan?
The Riverfront has long been identified for its unrealised potential as a world class park and destination.
Several strategic documents have identified actions for the City to develop a masterplan including the City of Perth Local Planning Strategy 2023 (endorsed by WAPC), the Perth Water Buneenboro Action Plan (DBCA and Swan River Trust), the City’s Corporate Business Plan (2023/24) and Urban Greening Strategy (2023-2036).
Additionally, the City is responsible, under the City of Perth Act, to promote the city locally and globally as the state capital, driving economic development, tourism, culture and innovation, promoting precinct level initiatives across the city.
The City has led this project, informed by the community to progress the development of this place in the best interests of both the local community and all Western Australians.
What has driven the timing of the Masterplan?
The Perth foreshore was formed by a massive land reclamation project over 100 years ago, primarily to create a large civic and recreation space for a modern, civilised city. Many design proposals since then have resulted in Supreme Court Gardens, the Narrows Freeway Interchange and Elizabeth Quay.
The river wall and drainage network are failing and require renewal. Langley Park and Riverside Drive flood during high tide events and inclement weather. These issues will be further aggravated by the predicted 0.7m rise in river levels by 2100. The need to replace this infrastructure presents an opportunity to rethink the area’s purpose and function for the future of Perth.
What will the Masterplan be used for?
The Masterplan provides a vision for our riverfront area to guide the City’s future planning and budgeting for components of the plan the City is able to fund and deliver on its own.
It also provides a vision for the State government to consider in the planning and delivery of its key projects along the Riverfront, including the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
What work has already been done on this project?
Above is an overview of the work that has been undertaken so far in the development of the Masterplan.
What was the outcome of previous consultation about Perth Riverfront?
In 2020, the City of Perth undertook community and stakeholder engagement to inform the future of Perth’s Riverfront. The findings of that consultation can be seen here.
What happens after the consultation has closed?
The City will now consider next steps for the project in the context of major projects such as the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
When will the project be built?
The Masterplan is a framework and long term vision for the future of the Riverfront that can only be realised in partnership with the State government and other stakeholders Further detailed investigations, technical studies, design and approvals are required before anything can be built.
Langley Park is an A-Class reserve. What does this mean?
A-Class status protects Langley Park’s use as “Parks, gardens and recreation”, ensuring its primary ongoing use as public open space. Building or development is permitted which support this land use. Any development is subject to approval by the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage, at the time of development application.
Several sites within the Masterplan area are heritage listed. What does this mean?
Responding to the site’s rich heritage requires ongoing engagement, understanding, planning and design. The City commissioned a Cultural Heritage Assessment for the site in 2020 which has informed the design process and identifies opportunities for the project to celebrate the site’s rich cultural heritage. Any development is subject to approval by the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage.