Council commits to a vision for future generations
The City of Swan Council has taken the next important step to realising the vision for the Midland Oval Redevelopment – the development will transform Midland for future generations.
“After decades of talking, it is time for action,” Mayor David Lucas said yesterday.
“The masterplan for a new residential development in the heart of our community represents the future for our children and our grandchildren.
“It will change the way we live and socialise and it will revitalise the heart of our community.”
At the City of Swan's Ordinary Council Meeting on April 11, Council voted in favour of Cr Mark Elliott's motion to increase public open space by up to 5,800sqm, in addition to existing public open space.
The motion also instructed City CEO Mike Foley to proceed with the agreement for the DeMol Group to construct the extension of The Avenue from Keane Street to Sayer Street, in accordance with the City’s specification prior to the completion of a development on Lot 4 The Avenue.
Mayor Lucas said the Council had responded to community concerns about the amount of public open space in the development.
“We have heard and accepted the criticisms and we have responded by increasing the amount of public open space,” he said.
“We are confident this decision pays greater homage to the oval and makes way for a significant amount of additional green space.
"Further, the original proposed paved event space in the Cale Street Piazza will now become a predominantly green space.
“We will always be ready to accept constructive criticism and hear the community’s concerns, but we will not miss this opportunity to transform the heart of Midland for future generations.”
“We know we can do this type of development well. The Woodbridge Riverside Park attracts families from all over Perth as one of the best nature-based playgrounds in the metropolitan area.
“This is what we want for the centre of Midland, the development will deliver a mix of spaces for sport, recreation, play and the arts. There will be walking paths, nature play and water play, a large event screen, public art, a community garden and a large kickabout area which can be used for community events like fairs, markets and food trucks.”
Mayor Lucas said Council's decision gave the City greater direction to move forward with the construction of the road network, which has all the necessary planning approvals to proceed.
"An information workshop will be run by City staff within the next six weeks to explain the recent changes to the plan, and we encourage our community to attend," he said.
City of Swan Councillor Mark Elliott said the decision was a positive step forward and set a clearer direction for all.
"2018 marks 50 years since the first discussions of the Midland Oval redevelopment took place, which makes this decision a significant step forward for Council, City staff and community," he said.
“Council has again shown their commitment to getting on with delivering a unique and vibrant precinct in the heart of the Midland CBD.”
The City will now work with the Developer, De Mol Group, to determine the next steps for the development.
On Wednesday evening, Council also voted to advertise the Midland Oval Redevelopment Business Plan, which will be prepared for circulation to all ratepayers in the coming weeks.
The business plan is specifically related to the buying and selling of land within the precinct and includes details around the governance structure for the project.
The business plan will be available at the City's Administration Centre, Libraries and Leisure Centres, and will also be promoted on the City's website, social media and via direct mail to residents.