Key Features

The purpose of the 2004 draft Masterplan was to establish an agreed framework for the use of land in the precinct, public realm structure and design, built form structure and design, infrastructure requirements and environmental outcomes.
It proposed a bold approach to achieve the best possible redevelopment and opportunities to celebrate the former Power Station buildings as major cultural icons, based on eight strategic planning principles:

• Building on the setting – its special characteristics, history and linkages to other destinations, are key influencers on the development.
• Reconnecting with the city – it should not be self-contained and isolated but an integral part of Perth's city heart.
• Creating a cultural icon – future cultural facilities need to optimise the role and accentuate the status of the former Power Station buildings, the gentility and synergy of the river and cultural/arts activities.
• Fostering a mixed-use culture and arts precinct – providing for a major cultural facility and developing opportunities to establish new culture and arts-based activities that relate strongly to the dominant land use feature of the precinct.
• Optimising transit oriented development benefits – the site’s proximity to road, rail and future water facilities means excellent benefits for the mixture of land uses proposed.
• Enhancing heritage qualities – the social and physical heritage qualities of the former East Perth Power Station site are the essence of its character and future redevelopment. These qualities must be respected and enhanced.
• Providing a variety of open spaces – streets, parks, plazas and walkways should be planned and designed to be memorable and actively used.
• Focusing on sustainability – a program ensuring environmental sensitivity and energy-efficient built form, affordable housing, a variety of cultural uses and economic vitality.