ALONG with the shortlisting of two consortiums to build the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and a performing arts space, two sites are still in the running.
ALONG with the shortlisting of two consortiums to build the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and a performing arts space, two sites are still in the running.
The Multiplex Consortium comprising Multiplex Construction and Accor Asia Pacific has opted for a site near the Busport.
The Nexus Consortium of Lend Lease, John Holland, Compass-Eurast Australian-Convex and Channel 7 has plumped for a site near the Perth Entertainment Centre on Wellington Street.
Leighton Contractors, which also favours the Busport site, has been placed in reserve.
The WA Government is offering $100 million plus a land component to sweeten the deal.
An extra $10 million has been offered as an incentive to build a soccer-rugby stadium as part of the project.
All three contenders have offered to include the stadium.
Time Conti Sheffield partner Paul Conti believes the Welling-ton Street site will be the best.
Mr Conti believes the site offers an opportunity to solve one of Perth’s oldest problems by providing a link between Northbridge and the city.
“It would provide easy access to all Western Australians to an integrated arts, sporting and entertainment complex, a boost to small businesses in the CBD and Northbridge areas and renewal to a long neglected part of the city,” he said.
Mr Conti said the Wellington Street site would draw people westward.
An upgrade of the site would be a continuation of development along the railway.
“Small business and retail outlets would benefit from increased access – not only to the Northbridge district but also at the west end of the city,” he said.
“In recent years we have seen urban renewal through the Subi Centro project and the redevelopment of East Perth which has brought life back into previously unused space close to the city.
“I would see this project as bringing a similar injection of activity into the city centre.”
The Perth City Council also wants the convention centre built on the Wellington Street site.
The PCC believes putting the centre there will lead to the sinking of the Perth to Fremantle railway line.
Putting the centre near the Busport may well deprive Perth of a well-utilised car park.
However, using the Busport, with its proximity to the Swan River, does make the job of selling the venue a little easier.
It could also have the benefit of helping to open the river up to the public, something both the PCC and the WA Government are keen to do.
The Multiplex Consortium comprising Multiplex Construction and Accor Asia Pacific has opted for a site near the Busport.
The Nexus Consortium of Lend Lease, John Holland, Compass-Eurast Australian-Convex and Channel 7 has plumped for a site near the Perth Entertainment Centre on Wellington Street.
Leighton Contractors, which also favours the Busport site, has been placed in reserve.
The WA Government is offering $100 million plus a land component to sweeten the deal.
An extra $10 million has been offered as an incentive to build a soccer-rugby stadium as part of the project.
All three contenders have offered to include the stadium.
Time Conti Sheffield partner Paul Conti believes the Welling-ton Street site will be the best.
Mr Conti believes the site offers an opportunity to solve one of Perth’s oldest problems by providing a link between Northbridge and the city.
“It would provide easy access to all Western Australians to an integrated arts, sporting and entertainment complex, a boost to small businesses in the CBD and Northbridge areas and renewal to a long neglected part of the city,” he said.
Mr Conti said the Wellington Street site would draw people westward.
An upgrade of the site would be a continuation of development along the railway.
“Small business and retail outlets would benefit from increased access – not only to the Northbridge district but also at the west end of the city,” he said.
“In recent years we have seen urban renewal through the Subi Centro project and the redevelopment of East Perth which has brought life back into previously unused space close to the city.
“I would see this project as bringing a similar injection of activity into the city centre.”
The Perth City Council also wants the convention centre built on the Wellington Street site.
The PCC believes putting the centre there will lead to the sinking of the Perth to Fremantle railway line.
Putting the centre near the Busport may well deprive Perth of a well-utilised car park.
However, using the Busport, with its proximity to the Swan River, does make the job of selling the venue a little easier.
It could also have the benefit of helping to open the river up to the public, something both the PCC and the WA Government are keen to do.
