Perth City Link project update

<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> Rail works on Perth’s $600m City Link project that is set to develop the “heart of the city” by sinking the railway line and Wellington Street bus station are one step closer to beginning. </span> <p>City Rail Joint Venture (Brookfield Multiplex and Laing O’Rourke) and Perth City Link (John Holland and GHD) have been shortlised for the project’s rail works component.</p><p>Transport minister Simon O’Brien said the next assessment stage was crucial to robustly define the project’s scope and competitively assess the two proponents.</p><p>“In late December, the two proponent groups will provide the Public Transport Authority with their detailed documentation for the major works to sink the Fremantle line between William Street, and Lake and King streets,” O’Brien said.</p><p>The sinking of the railway line will ultimately reunite the retail district of Perth’s CBD with the Northbridge entertainment precinct, opening up expanses of public and commercial space.</p><p>“Sinking the railway literally underpins the vision to redevelop 14ha between Perth and Northbridge – something which has been talked about for more than 100 years,” O’Brien said.</p><p>The urban renewal and regeneration project is a collaboration between EPRA, the City of Perth and PTA.</p><p>The 13.5 hectare project is bounded by the Mitchell Freeway, Roe Street, Wellington Street and the Horseshoe Bridge and currently houses an &quotuninviting mix&quot of services, car parks, rail and bus infrastructure. Framed by busy roads, the area has become a physical barrier in the centre of the city.</p><p>Sinking the Wellington Street Bus Station and the Fremantle rail line from Perth station to Lake Street will prepare the site for redevelopment. Based on a start time of early next year, the sinking of the line is expected to be completed by 2014.</p><p>The Link will play a key role in addressing transport and infrastructure issues by removing remove the “great divide” between Northbridge and the CBD and once completed, will create a vibrant mixed-use precinct.</p><p>The alliance contract will be awarded in March 2011. The rail project is scheduled for completion in 2014. The sinking of the Wellington Street Bus Station is due for completion in 2016.</p><p>The Federal Government has committed $236m towards the cost of the project.<br />&nbsp</p>