Work starts on Wellington Square upgrade

Construction has started on an $18.7 million redevelopment of Wellington Square, with a new playground and a raft of recreational facilities expected to significantly boost the amenity of the eastern end of the CBD.

Building company Densford Civil began work this morning, with the five-stage upgrade to include a 3,000 square metre playground with basketball courts and a water play feature, event spaces, multi-use sporting fields and a comprehensive network of walking paths.

Wellington Square will also include a place of reflection to commemorate the Stolen Generation, while City of Perth chair commissioner Andrew Hammond said the park and the playground would receive dual names in recognition of its significance to the Aboriginal community.

“These names will be finalised and announced in coming months,” he said.

“The City of Perth anticipates the redeveloped park will attract many events and activations, which will add further vibrancy to the East Perth area.”

Member for Perth John Carey, on hand today to celebrate the start of construction, said the redevelopment was a significant milestone.

“The renewal of Wellington Square has been a long time coming for local residents, and under the City of Perth commissioners and new administration, we are actually seeing this project being delivered,” he said.

“If we want more people to live in our city, we need more focus on basic residential amenities for all demographics like recreational facilities and the intergenerational playground.”