The City of South Perth is proposing ambitious plans to revitalise its Old Mill precinct, the concept including flying fox transport, new museum, a marina with ferry terminal and more.
Images: Lawrence Associates Architects
Design plans include restoring a 175-year-old mill, building a new museum, art gallery, cafe and restaurant in what is a cultural and historical precinct in South Perth.
The concept has been released by the City of South Perth for 100 days of community consultation
According to The West, an adventure and recreation precinct would combine existing water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing with boat pens and ferry terminal.
The roof of a new building housing a cafe and offices would double as a landing place for the seated flying fox, while a "serpent bridge" for pedestrians and cyclists to Kings Park would offer an easier route.
The plan involves restoring a heritage pool close to its original shape and opening it to the Swan River, with a footbridge across.It also includes a "celebration plaza" and other public spaces.
South Perth mayor James Best said it was designed to complement the State Government's waterfront project and envisioned visitors boarding a cable car from the waterfront to Kings Park before jumping on the flying fox to the Old Mill precinct and then taking a ferry back to the Perth foreshore.
He said it would cost "tens of millions" but funding and management structures were yet to be determined but they were “deadly serious and committed to making it happen."
The Old Mill is WA's oldest industrial building, built in 1835 to provide bread for a fledgling Perth colony.
A Local residents group have made several complaints, including about payments already totalling more than $130,000, by the City, to the project’s architect.
However, South Perth Mayor James Best explained the architect was engaged because of “his long association with the project” and that “It is not possible to obtain State approval without first having detailed concept plans available."
