A City Deal signed between the federal government and Western Australia will target increased density in Perth’s CBD, with the aim to boost the local economy.
A meeting on October 28 between WA premier Mark McGowan and federal population, cities and urban infrastructure minister Alan Tudge focused on establishing the direction of the City Deal, which it was decided will aim to increase the population density of the CBD so it will directly feed into the hospitality and retail sector, providing a flow-on effect into the local economy.
Tudge, noting Perth has the lowest population density of any capital city apart from Darwin and Hobart, said the city centre was the real focus of the deal.
“There is a real opportunity to bring more people into the CBD, which means more activity, retail, restaurants and tourism opportunities,” he said. “All of this would make the city centre more vibrant and safe.”
“We have the unique opportunity to create a vibrant presence in our city by collaborating with the Federal Government, universities and businesses,” McGowan added. “A City Deal will help activate our city centre and provide an economic stimulus in the heart of our city, supporting small businesses and local jobs.”
Perth’s CBD is currently served by buses and a number of stations on the heavy passenger rail network. There has so far been no mention of transport projects as part of the City Deal, but transport and planning minister Rita Saffioti said the state’s Metronet urban rail program would play its part in growing the city centre.
“Metronet will be our biggest ever investment in public transport and a City Deal aligns with our key objective to connect, activate and future proof Perth’s communities. The Perth City Deal provides a significant opportunity for us all to achieve common goals and ensure that Perth is well positioned to harness the long term growth forecasts for those who choose to live, visit and do business in,” Saffioti said.
A timeline for the deal is expected to be confirmed in early 2020.