LOWERING the speed limit to 30kph along South Terrace in South Fremantle has been suggested as part of a $1 million rejuvenation plan for the busy precinct.

Mayor Brad Pettitt says the council is looking at a major facelift for the strip between Douro Road and South Street.

The limit is currently 50kph but the council will consider lowering it to 40 or 30 in areas of high foot traffic and alfresco dining activity.

“The idea is to encourage some drivers — those who are not traveling to the city’s centre — to bypass South Terrace and use Marine Terrace,” Dr Pettitt says.

“Lowering speeds would help to do that.”

Nearly 200 locals back the revamp, which is being pushed by the South Fremantle precinct.

Coordinator Belinda Keenan says the area, with its “uneven and unattractive” bitumen paths, heavy traffic, lack of shade and poor facilities for cyclists, is long overdue for a facelift.

“It’s a no-brainer,” she says.

“You just have to look at the place to realise the council has not invested money into this area for a long time.”

More than a dozen new businesses — half of them eateries — have opened in the area in the past two years, according to council estimates. In 2014, 37 per cent of buildings fronting the road was housing, 21 per cent retail, 17 per cent commercial, 15 per cent cafes/restaurants/bars, and seven per cent vacant.

Dr Pettitt expects the cost to be “very, very expensive” and easily push $1m. Planned work includes resurfacing, trees, a cycling path,  easing heavy traffic, pavement art and pedestrian crossings.

The mayor expects a plan to be presented by June.

Despite the council displaying early drafts to the public at the Parmelia Park fiesta in November, council media manager Jason Cunningham refused to release them to the Herald, on the basis they were not ready for public comment.

by EMMIE DOWLING