First close-up look at Perth Waterfront plans

New artist's impressions have been released of the entertainment precinct and marina in the Western Australian Government's planned Perth waterfront re-development.

Plans for the $440 million project will see the Perth foreshore transformed to include large public recreation areas and commercial and residential developments.

WA’s The Sunday Times revealed the first look at the aquatic playground on the Swan River foreshore, the a ground-level view facing the city from what will be a 7000 sqm island in the middle of an inlet. It also details sculptures and low-scale developments around the waterfront, which will include restaurants, shops and about 1700 apartments.

It is hoped that the new area will operate like Sydney's Darling Harbour and will include a public jetty to allow people to park their boats at the doorstep of the CBD.

The development's works are expected to be completed in 2014, while the state’s Planning Minister John Day said the government would release building design guidelines this week.