At the heart of the Stirling City Centre project, a wave park is being put forward as a potential opportunity to reinvigorate a key strategic site and support tourism, employment, economic uplift and development.
The Stirling City Centre has been the City’s key priority for 10 years, with several major infrastructure projects set to transform it into one of Perth’s most vibrant, high density centres as a second CBD outside of Perth city.
While a wave park is not formally endorsed by Council or the community, there is strong support for a significant community facility to uplift the Stirling City Centre; with Council recently identifying the need to investigate community infrastructure requirements for the area. A Community Infrastructure Plan will be developed to explore these requirements, which could include a performing arts centre, sports stadium, museum, other civic spaces or a tourism drawcard such as a wave park.
The City plans to liaise with the State Government to promote the site as a prime location for this type of infrastructure.
Mayor Mark Irwin said no major community projects would proceed without significant community consultation but he welcomed discussion around visionary ideas that would enhance the precinct.
“The idea of a wave park aligns with Council’s intention to provide high quality community infrastructure within the Stirling City Centre and there is huge potential for tourism, local jobs, economic benefit and development for this area,” he said.
“Location is incredibly important for this type of infrastructure and this area is supported by transport connections such as a bus and train station, with arterial access to major freeways just 10km from the Perth city centre. The broader locality is also supported by a strong surf culture and a wave park would counter busy beaches and inconsistent surf breaks along the coastline.
“In our draft budget, funding has been committed to a Community Infrastructure Plan. Set in this strategic location, the wave park idea is symbolic of a vibrant city centre that offers attractions and experiences outside of typical buildings and it could be a catalyst for investment, tourism and economic development.”
As the Stirling site was used for landfill until the 1970s, there are limited options for development for approximately 30 years.
Completion of the Stephenson Avenue Extension is expected in 2023 and will unlock vacant land nearby, creating additional development opportunities to support growth in the area.
The City’s vision is to be the destination of choice for local, interstate and international visitors as well as contributing to the pillars for growth outlined in the State Government Strategy for Tourism in Western Australia 2020.
The idea was first raised by the Federal Member for Stirling Vince Connelly MP, to stimulate tourism and job creation in the area.
“Having been involved in early framing discussions, I fully support the concept of a wave park in our local community,” he said.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the City of Stirling and other stakeholders to progress this exciting project.”
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