Laying the groundwork for a bright future at key Stirling City Centre site

The transformation of a prime site in the Stirling City Centre has entered a new phase, with contractors appointed to carry out key technical investigations.

The vacant site, located next to the Mitchell Freeway in the heart of the City of Stirling, has long been earmarked as a major mixed-use opportunity for the City.

It has been the subject of a range of potential development scenarios during planning for the broader Stirling City Centre, including schools, public open space, and sport and recreation facilities.

Together with commercial and residential development, the area will be a hive of activity.

Guided by local and state planning strategies to accommodate significant population and jobs growth, the Stirling City Centre is a vision for a thriving, sustainable centre with excellent access to public transport.

The Stirling City Centre and adjoining Herdsman-Glendalough area will form the second biggest activity centre in Perth, just 6km from the iconic Scarborough Beach and 8km from the Perth CBD.

The vision is being unlocked by more than $350 million in state and federal investment in transport infrastructure, including the ongoing construction of the Stephenson Avenue extension.

In the past two years, the City has received enquiries from high-profile sporting clubs and development companies interested in establishing facilities on the vacant site between the Mitchell Freeway and the City’s Administration Centre on Cedric Street.

While its size and central location present diverse development opportunities, remediation works are required under the Contaminated Sites Act 2003 before any development can be progressed.

In 2023, the City commissioned a study to look at the nature of the likely contamination due to the site’s history as landfill, along with remediation options, timeline and costs.

The City has now appointed a consultant to undertake the next steps which involve a detailed site investigation and geotechnical investigation.

These investigations will determine the material composition of the site, the stability of the ground conditions and the extent of contamination.

“It’s unusual to have so much vacant land in such a central location with the Perth skyline in the background, so it’s not surprising that we’ve had organisations reaching out to us,” City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said.

“The possibilities for this site are really exciting, but we need to make sure that we understand what’s in the soil and what role that may play in future development.

“These technical studies are a key part of that and will guide the future remediation and improvement of the site.

“Once we have completed that process, which is a significant investment for the City, we will look to attract government funding to help bring the site to market and support development.”

Once the technical investigations are completed later this year, the City will enter a market sounding phase to gauge the level of interest in the development of the site.

“There are several key steps that must occur before development of this site, but the timeline is not set in stone and the City’s aim is to progress through these steps as quickly as possible,” Mayor Irwin said.

“The market sounding process later this year will gauge the level of interest in developing the site and gather information on potential project options, challenges and more.”