A NEW primary school will be one of the key components of the redevelopment of the Edith Cowan University site in Mount Lawley.
But the Voice has found that neither the Education Department, DevelopmentWA, nor the Planning Minister’s office could confirm how many students the school would cater for, where the catchment area would be, or what impact it would have on surrounding public schools.
There was also no clarity on who would be responsible for managing the ECU buildings slated to remain in use, although the Voice understands Mt Lawley Senior High School may take over a number of them to ease its squeezed admin.
The project reached a milestone this week, with DevelopmentWA releasing its draft Master Plan for the 18.6-hectare site for community feedback.
• Development WA’s new masterplan for the redeveloped ECU site.
The plan lays out a long-term vision to turn the old campus into a “connected, inclusive and sustainable precinct” and retain key infrastructure such as the WAAPA buildings, student accommodation and the old admin and library facilities.
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said the development was a unique opportunity to transform this 18.6-hectare site into a vibrant, connected precinct.
“The precinct will include diverse housing options, education, public spaces and community facilities, just four kilometres from the Perth CBD,” he said.
“This redevelopment retains and reuses many of the existing buildings for community use, including the WAAPA buildings and existing student accommodation.”
Local MLA Frank Paolino said it would deliver significant benefits to the community.
Arts hub
“We envision a future where the redeveloped site hosts a dynamic creative arts hub, a new primary school to provide much-needed relief for local families, and essential new housing,” Mr Paolino said.
The draft plan was shaped through focus groups, surveys, and a Community Reference Group that included local residents, businesses and community organisations. It promotes green space, local identity and “people-first” design, with a nod to the site’s cultural and educational past.
Locals can have their say on the redevelopment by heading to DevelopmentWA’s “Your Say” page before August 3, or by attending upcoming drop-in sessions:
• Saturday July 19, 10am–12.30pm, Inglewood Bowling Club
• Monday July 28, 5–7.30pm, North Perth Town Hall
“Community feedback has been instrumental in shaping the draft Master Plan so far, and I encourage the community to continue engaging in consultation to help shape the precinct’s future,” Mr Carey said.
by STEVE GRANT