The East Perth Redevelopment Authority undertook a comprehensive consultation process to gain feedback from the Perth community on the draft Masterplan.

In addition, a Peer Review Workshop was held with a panel of national experts from urban design, planning, architecture, development and creative industries as well as Local and State Government. All the feedback was collated and thoroughly reviewed to develop and refine the final Masterplan.

As a result of community and expert feedback, the design of The Link has been enhanced to create a place that fits seamlessly into the city while providing exciting new venues to experience city life. Key modifications include an increase in the amount of public space from 2.3ha to 4.25ha (or 32% of the total site area), and the planning of the buildings and streets has been improved to enhance functionality, safety and appeal for residents, workers and visitors, day and night. The height and setback of the buildings have been optimised to reduce shade and wind impact. Connections through the project area have been improved and facades along street edges will encourage a variety of uses making the experience of moving through the area more interesting. All of these elements will combine to ensure The Link is an activated, vibrant urban neighbourhood.

A key outcome of the consultation process was the strengthened identity of The Link project as part of the bigger picture for Perth. The final Masterplan addresses The Link in the context of the wider city and region, reinforcing strong connections to existing and future facilities and attractions across Perth. The final design also provides a framework to ensure The Link will achieve high levels of sustainability, with a focus on social and environmental outcomes. The project will bring together new connections; inviting streets and public areas; innovative design and architecture; opportunities for diverse experiences; and a chance to celebrate Perth as a world-class city.

• Celebration Place: There was mixed feedback on the landmark building proposed for this site. The design team assessed a number of alternatives and concluded that the world-class architecture of the landmark building would provide a celebrated sense of arrival to the city and an exceptional addition to the skyline.
  
  
• Bus station: The underground bus station was generally supported however, some feedback suggested that a street level facility would improve access and activation to the area. Representatives from the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, Public Transport Authority and East Perth Redevelopment Authority assessed a number of options and agreed that the underground bus station provided the best urban design outcomes for public transport operations and passenger amenity.
  
  
• King’s Square: In response to concerns about the effect of traffic moving through this area, the design team reconfigured the King Street extension as a large square, rather than the narrow street that was depicted in the draft Masterplan. The enclosed square design was chosen as it provides optimal traffic function, activation and vitality.
  
  
• Sinking the railway: Many felt that sinking the rail line further west of Lake Street would enhance connections between Perth and Northbridge. However, due to infrastructure and financial constraints, it is not viable to achieve this as part of The Link project. Instead, the railway will be effectively ‘capped’ by building over the line allowing for future development from Old Milligan Street through to the Mitchell Freeway.
  
  
• Bridge Plaza: In response to feedback, the design team analysed several options for a bridge to allow vehicles to cross over the railway at Milligan Street. It was decided that this would detract from the character, activation and built form of The Link and adjoining Northbridge area, without adding significant benefits. The final Masterplan retains the pedestrian-only connection.
  
  
• Roe Street: Roe Street will experience a major transformation, providing a casual yet vibrant street scene similar to the west end of Hay Street in the CBD. The final Masterplan has made the most of the northern sun exposure on Roe Street by creating a wider promenade with high quality landscaping, allowing for a safe, pedestrian-friendly area with outdoor seating and alfresco dining.

Click here to download The Link fact sheets to find out more about consultation findings.