Central Perth is set to undergo a major upgrade and redevelopment, with divers spending hours underwater beneath the CBD to help future-proof vital infrastrcture as part of the first stage of this $2.6 billion project.

A centrepiece of the revitalisation plan is the creation of a bustling mixed-use precinct, Elizbeth Quay (formerly Perth Waterfront) in the heart of the city.

Located between Barrack and William streets, Elizabeth Quay is expected to return the city’s focus to the iconic Swan River, while "enhancing Perth’s reputation as one of the most liveable cities in the world".

The project is delivered by the WA government and supported by the City of Perth, and will cover nearly 10 hectares of prime riverfront land. A big part of the precinct is a 2.7 hectare inlet surrounded by a split level promenade, shops, cafes, restaurants and various other entertainment venues.

It will also deliver new inner-city residential options as well as hotel and short-stay accommodation and commercial spaces.

“Once complete, Elizabeth Quay is expected to be the workplace for some 10,000 people. It will contain more than 800 residential apartments, 200,000 square metres of office space and 25,000 sq m of retail space,” said WA Planning Minister John Day.

To date, Elizabeth Quay has moved into delivery phase, with funding already being committed and all major project approvals in place.

A key part of the infrastructure projects currently underway is the upgrade of the city’s main stormwater drainage system, which requires divers to spend hours underwater beneath Perth’s CBD to modify the drain, enabling “the new connections, one pipe at a time”.

According to Day, these upgrades are a key component of the first stage of Elizabeth Quay, and will pave the way for the construction of the inlet. They will also ensure that essential services to the precinct can cater for Perth’s growing population.

Additional works include the installation of a new water main, the laying of extra conduit to carry power services and construction of 13 large underground power pits.

Construction of the public realm and inlet are scheduled for completion in mid 2015, in advance of the completion of private sector developments.