A final master plan has been unveiled for a new 7km-long linear park in Perth, as part of the planned public spaces under the elevated METRONET Armadale Line.
Stretching from the new Carlisle Station to the new Beckenham Station, the appropriately named “Long Park” will provide 6ha of new public open space for the community and help facilitate new urban housing opportunities along the corridor.
The parkland will have 14 new community spaces with a range of amenities including:
- Four new playgrounds
- Two nature trail/play spaces
- Two youth plazas including basketball, futsal and netball courts
- Three skate parks
- Two fitness parks with exercise equipment
- Two dog parks
- Extensive path network for bike riding and walking
- New spaces for pop-up cafes and community events
Major redevelopment of the rail corridor will also be delivered through significant landscaping, with thousands of new native trees, plants and shrubs to be planted.
The 7km-long parkland will also feature Perth’s longest public art trail, with more than 20 different pieces of public art to be installed along the length of the park. Every pier along the rail corridor will also form part of the art trail, including 70 that will have unique designs.
The major upgrade to the Armadale Line and activation of previously dormant spaces in the rail corridor is helping drive new investment in high density housing projects along the corridor.
A proposal for an 85-apartment, 18-storey development adjacent to the new Oats Street Station is currently being assessed through the State Development Assessment Unit, with a decision expected before the end of the year.
Delivery of the new public amenities lining the rail corridor is underway with the majority of work expected to be completed in time for the reopening of the rail line in the middle of 2025.
Western Australian Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, said that this is what METRONET is all about – providing world-class public transport and activating areas in Perth that have long sat dormant and unused.
“Long Park will be an incredible addition to inner southeast areas of Perth, providing six hectares of public open space and 14 new activated areas with playgrounds, sport facilities, skate parks, exercise areas and spaces for pop-up cafes and events,” Minister Saffioti said.
“Landscaping is also an integral part of the design for the public space, with thousands of native trees, plants and shrubs to planted, more than doubling the number of trees that currently exist within the corridor.
“This significant investment is what will drive new housing options for many Western Australians in existing suburbs, leveraging METRONET and new community facilities, making these locations the ideal place to live.
“Right across the world we’ve seen how rail corridors are redeveloped into usable public spaces for the community to enjoy, and the Armadale Line upgrades will be another great example of how we can transform these spaces and unlock new housing opportunities.”
Victoria Park MLA, Hannah Beazley, said that Long Park is going to completely transform the community, providing so many more opportunities for people to come together and enjoy an incredible new space.
“With playgrounds, sports facilities and exercise zones, plus so much more, there will be something for everyone to enjoy,” Ms Beazley said.
“I want to thank the community for their input and feedback during the consultation process.”
Cannington MLA, Bill Johnston, said that to see how the Armadale Line rail corridor is transforming is remarkable, and Long Park will be a highly valued public amenity in the community.
“This project is not only delivering incredible new public transport infrastructure but extensive new parklands and public amenities that will activate this previously unused rail corridor.”
