Reconnecting Perth: delivering a vibrant, integrated CBD

Working together to achieve the project vision

DevelopmentWA’s vision for the Perth City Link precinct is to reconnect the city through a vibrant, mixed-use destination that features residential and commercial spaces, education, retail, entertainment and seamless public transport connections. Realising this vision requires collaboration and meaningful connection with a diverse group of stakeholders. DevelopmentWA, City of Perth Council, Public Transport Authority of Western Australia, Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, Water Corporation, private developers and others have all played a vital part in the realisation of the precinct.

Our critical role has involved connecting with these stakeholders, and advocating for public transport that integrates with future development needs in order to realise DevelopmentWA’s vision for the precinct. Our team acted as a central conduit, aligning stakeholders’ diverse requirements and coordinating critical services.

By working closely with stakeholders on complex site needs such as water, power and transport, we have helped set the foundation for the successful development. Our proactive engagement enabled us to influence project costs and align stakeholder timelines with the overall project plan.

Managing and upgrading complex utility service design

We played a pivotal role in shaping the precinct’s future by leading the civil services design from the evaluation of existing infrastructure through to the creation of new services. During the initial stages, our team set the project up for success through detailed engineering planning and the creation of reference designs for critical infrastructure modifications. This included the sinking of the bus port and the diversion of all services to accommodate new transport infrastructure and building developments, including the new Edith Cowan University, RAC Arena and various commercial buildings.

The project presented significant challenges due to the existing below-ground utility services that crossed the site where the tunnel excavation needed to occur. Our team is facilitating staged asset relocation, while maintaining operations to minimise disruption to nearby businesses and residences. Adding to this complexity, many of the existing utilities assets have insufficient capacity and require upgrades to support the precinct development. From the early stages of the programme, we evaluated the existing infrastructure, identifying capacity risks and designing new services. Working closely and collaboratively with utility authorities, we are achieving success in securing approvals, and overseeing the construction and commissioning. We acted as a critical connector between the Utility Authorities, DevelopmentWA and City of Perth Council in particular to enable the precinct vision.

Planning for pedestrians connectivity and safety

Before the Perth City Link project began, there was only a single pedestrian connection between Northbridge and the CBD. When complete, the precinct will feature two road connections and five dedicated pedestrian links with provision for active transport. We are an advocate for enhanced connectivity and the benefits that it brings to the city’s residents and businesses. From the early stages of the project, we conducted a comprehensive study, and have subsequently been developing a model for analysing current and future pedestrian flows, transport infrastructure and land use. This informed public needs over the course of the project and enabled us to accurately measure how changes in land use and infrastructure, such as building overpasses, would affect pedestrian movement. This data also provided valuable insights into how future site concepts can achieve desired outcomes for pedestrians.

Each new connection features bespoke public spaces that we are designing in close collaboration the project landscape architect Plan E, as well as several public art artists. Our team is integrating robust details and materials with carefully considered urban design best practice including crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) principles – a set of design principles that particularly consider public safety and the perception of safety. Positive design outcomes include a range of ‘hard’ elements such as CCTV cameras, wayfinding and seating, as well as ‘soft’ elements such clear sight lines, quality of lighting and the appropriate selection of street tree species. These must work in concert to deliver a welcoming environment for the community to enjoy both during the day and night.