South Perth’s Mends Street precinct is in line for an overhaul, after the federal government committed $2.5 million towards a $7.5 million redevelopment.
The three-year initiative is known as Connect South, and comprises a piazza to be built near the Mends Street Jetty, while the streetscape and amenity of the street itself will also be upgraded.
The remainder of the funds required for the redevelopment will be provided by the City of South Perth.
City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty said the recent opening of Elizabeth Quay on the opposite side of the river had provided the impetus for the upgrades.
The project is designed to provide better access to Perth Zoo from the Mends Street Jetty, in an effort encourage more tourist visits using CBD to South Perth ferry services.
Ms Doherty said the council would also work closely with retailers and property owners to provide better commercial opportunities in the precinct.
Federal Member for Swan, Steve Irons, said the project had won funding under the government’s National Stronger Regions program, which was hotly contested with 479 applications.
“The Connect South Project will deliver an enhanced and invigorated Mends Street precinct,” he said.
“Local people will be able to more easily connect between Mends Street, the South Perth foreshore and Perth Zoo.’’
The Mends Street redevelopment is the latest foreshore enhancement for the City of South Perth, where works started last month on its Millers Pool project.
The long-term plan at Millers Pool includes the re-excavation of the original riverfront lagoon, while the work under way includes landscaping and new picnic and seating areas, a new path network, native vegetation and trees, as well as new lighting and public art installations.
L-R: Mill Point Ward Councillors Ken Manolas and Cheryle Irons, City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty, Federal Member for Swan Steve Irons and City of South Perth CEO Geoff Glass.
