Structure Plan for Bayswater - November 2015

The City of Bayswater has brought forward plans to begin work on developing a structure plan for Bayswater town centre to this financial year.

City Mayor Cr Barry McKenna says the structure plan is needed sooner rather than later to take account of the impact of the State Government's Forrestfield Perth Airport link project on Bayswater train station and the adjacent town site.

"Developing a structure plan will typically take up to 12 months, but the City will be engaging consultants to try to fast track this important body of work to within 6-9 months, whilst also ensuring we consult with our community," he said.

The structure plan will provide a broad planning framework that will guide the future development of Bayswater town centre and also look at how different parts of the town centre connect through its roads, footpaths and cycle ways. It will also consider the need for public spaces, parks and reserves, recreation opportunities, car parking, shops and cafes.

"The City regards the airport rail link project as a potential catalyst for change that will unlock Bayswater town centre's potential to become an even more vibrant, successful and sought after place for people, businesses and visitors alike," Mayor McKenna noted, "and that is why having the structure plan in place is important."

The City is meeting with the Minister for Transport, Hon Dean Nadler, on 15 December to urge the State Government to fund a major upgrade to the Bayswater train station concurrently with work on the airport rail link.

"The rail link to the airport will have a major impact on Bayswater and deferring any upgrade to a later date is just not an option.

"We need to take account of the upgrade in our structure plan, so we want to know from the Public Transport Authority what they propose for the train station."

The City of Bayswater wants the State Government to look at upgrading the station's capacity and car parking, and how it links to the Bayswater town site and the rail station's integration with bus services.

"The City is excited about the potential of the structure plan and the airport link project for our community and Council has agreed to invest $120,000 in developing this planning framework for Bayswater town centre's future," Mayor McKenna said.

"The State Government needs to work with us by taking the Bayswater station upgrade forward now and that will be our message to the Minister."