The Liberal-National Government has moved ahead to revitalise the city with the release today of broad concepts for the development of Perth’s waterfront.

Premier Colin Barnett said the concepts reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to the project with work expected to start in about 18 months.

Mr Barnett said the Government wanted to include a mix of civic, commercial, residential, retail, education and cultural areas as well as outline better access to the river and greater integration with the city.

“The final design work is yet to be done, but by releasing this concept within just nine months of Government, we are showing our commitment to the development of our foreshore,” he said.

“Western Australians have been shown many plans for the foreshore over many years and nothing has actually happened. The Government does not want to impose yet another grand vision on the WA community. This is a more modest concept that shows a ground-scale depiction of what could be developed.

“Our plan is to reconnect the city centre to the Swan River and create a mixed-use community on the foreshore, similar to those in Sydney’s Darling Harbour and Circular Quay and Melbourne’s Southbank.

“At this stage we are not being definitive about the design elements but giving an indication of the type of waterfront development we will proceed with.

“The aim is to feature world-class architecture, without being over the top, and include public open space, public access to the water, bringing the water to the base of the existing city skyline, an inlet with boat access and a building of national significance which celebrates Australia’s Aboriginal history and heritage.

“What has been ignored in previous plans is the north-south axis at the heart of the city from Northbridge to the waterfront between Barrack and William Streets. This concept addresses that link and combined with sinking of the rail line between Perth and Northbridge, development of the Perth cultural centre and other CBD projects, we have a well-rounded plan to revitalise Perth and its surrounds.

“What had been developed by the previous government were monuments that blocked off the river from much of the public.

“It would have been an enclave for the wealthy and businesses. What we have planned and committed to is a more modest development with greater private sector involvement and greater access and usability for people living in and visiting the city.”