Project and Discussions | Belmont & Gloucester Park

[perthwa]

High-rise vision for trots HQ
An ambitious multi-million-dollar redevelopment plan for Gloucester Park is set to turn WA's ageing home of harness racing into a vibrant entertainment and residential precinct.

The WA Trotting Association yesterday released its bold vision for the 14.7ha site, including a shopping centre, restaurants, cafes and movie theatre, with the harness racing track as the entertainment centrepiece.

The state-of-the-art development would also include nightclubs, specialty shops, taverns and hotels and children's entertainment such as Timezone.

The WATA hopes a land-swap deal with the State Government will allow residential development on the Swan River and would also try to win approval for at least four high-rise buildings as part of the development.

The East Perth Redevelopment Authority's Gateway masterplan, released in July, made provision for only five-storey buildings on the site, but Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said yesterday she was prepared to discuss other options.

Ms MacTiernan said if the WATA wanted to go outside its harness racing-based tenure conditions, it would have to share redevelopment profits with the Government.

The WATA will not be the developer but will offer long-term leases for the project. It hopes to have its own masterplan completed by mid to late next year.

WATA president Garry Scott said the plans had been delayed by the formation of WA racing's controlling body Racing and Wagering WA, the Perth Interdominion series in March and the controversial decision not to move harness racing headquarters to be part of the WA Turf Club's billion-dollar Belmont Park redevelopment. But he said the WATA was focused on moving into the future with an exciting precinct which would prove a major attraction for Perth's city centre.

Money made from the redevelopment would be injected back into the sport's inadequate prize money levels. "We're doing something that's good for harness racing, something that's good for East Perth, something that's good for the city of Perth and consequently for the State," Mr Scott said.

"When this issue first came up in 2002, EPRA had us cut up for development and we had to fight them. Next year we will have been racing for 75 years at Gloucester Park and with this development we can do something that's unique.

"We're committed to staying there and to develop the property, so everyone's a winner. But if we don't have the support of EPRA and the State Government, we won't go anywhere."

Ms MacTiernan said provisions had been made to scrap Gloucester Park from the East Perth redevelopment if the WATA had decided to find a new home. But she believed the WATA's decision would add diversity to the project. "I'm pleased they are staying because it has been part of the historical fabric of the area and it is good to have that diversity of activities," Ms MacTiernan said. "You don't just want a sea of apartments and cafes and the trots will add to the character of the place.

"Gloucester Park is on some very expensive real estate and needed an upgrade of facilities and I am certainly prepared to discuss any options.

"The whole project will see a massive flowering of people in the area where the dynamic of the central city will open up."
http://www.thewest.com.au/20041127/news/general/tw-news-general-home-sto129908.html

[jcocks]

wow....awesome! Very HK..... I like :D

Perth needs this sort of thing, then with the Bunbury international raceway that's going up, we can become a major destination outside of Asia for asian sports fanatics...

[perthwa]

btw. the pic is for glouster park proposal, there is another one for belmont park, so we will use this thread for both possible projects

[Dilaz89]

is this part of the eastern gateway???

[perthwa]

its in the precint but its up to them wether its in it or not, ie. if they don't sell up it won't be persued

[perthwa]

"The items in the business plan are directed to culminate with the billion dollar redevelopment of Belmont into a multi-facet venue.

Robertson embarked on the project after a comprehensive analysis of the business structure of the club."

[Dilaz89]

there has been increased talk lately of relocation perth major sporting venue onto this locality replacing subiaco oval

[Dilaz89]

http://img83.echo.cx/img83/2222/belmont26vv.jpg

http://img83.echo.cx/img83/9764/belmont9kv.jpg

[Ipggi]

This would be a great link up to the Burswood development. Though I guess it means Belmont race course wont be used for anymore over night parties :(. I wonder how many of those concept towers in the render will come to actuality. They certainly look a little more interesting then the conservative ones at Burswood.

The moving of the museum should be a boon and help create a new entertainment district, as long as there are permanent rail and ferry(?) links. Northbridge as the arts centre has become very tacky over the years. I wish they would do something with the gallery as-well. They have a great collection but the building is tiny compared to other state galleries.

Its about time that Perth makes use of its greatest asset, its river for something other then just grass parklands.

[Perth4life14]

looks fucken awesome.

[Scraperfan]

This cluster of towers, along with Axis, Peninsular cluster, the new ones at Gloucester Circus and Causeway, Swan Brewery and City Square - what times are ahead for Perth, it is so beautiful to see. Finally Perth will be a major city with a vibrant river.

[HOODTech]

Now that is something spectacular.

It looks like the 'Burswood Peninsular Skyline' could soon rival the central Perth Skyline he he.

[Citystyle]

Is there any new's on this becuase i saw the museum picture with the lights in the air on the news. I think they need funding and the state gov is yet to make a desision on this project. It has to do with the powerstation taking priority to this development.

But at least i saw that its no a frozen chicken. Also if this gets the nod i think the WATA will leave gloster thats probably there argument to pay for this development. I say bring it on.

[Dilaz89]

it was on the news. i missed most of it but i think they got knocked back in terms of having the new museum.

[Citystyle]

Ok damn we are on a skyscraper forum at 1 AM in the morning

[Dilaz89]

the department of culture and the arts has ruled out belmont as the future western australian museum site

[mikeyraw]

Why was that, seems like a pretty blunt decision if you ask me.

[Dilaz89]

there are 12 sites which will be narrowed down to 4, my guess is east perth power station, foreshore, railway land and treasury building, my guess is they will go with the cheapest option not the best as perth usualy, would be noice in the power station, but a brand new landlmark would be great for perth

[mikeyraw]

Yeah, the foreshore is my favourite out of those. If its built at the east perth power station its basically apart of the Belmont development anyway. Foreshore would bear the most fruit though, It would look good.

[mikeyraw]

I think another viable option would be over the top of the new central trainstation, next to the Gpo and opposite target.

[Dilaz89]

i hope the power statiion is more of a contermpory arts place, with bars and restaurants, it suite the vibe, the land above william street central underground transit station will be sold of for retail and commercial development, though might be an option

[Auxodium]

Personally i would like to see the WATA move to Belmont Park and get over their differences with the WATC(Perth Racing) and free up prime land to redevelop and 'complete' East Perth. but intense development with the trots and the turf club based there would work well i believe.

[chrisaus]

Revealed: our $2b river playground

After eight years of planning, the WA Turf Club is poised to give Perth's eastern gateway a $2 billion facelift which will see 8000 people living in an ultra-modern village centred on a revamped Belmont Racecourse in what will be the State's biggest ever inner-city development.

The club, known as Perth Racing, yesterday unveiled details of the plans exclusively to The West Australian. They feature a major residential development featuring 30-storey towers, a cultural centre and museum and 3km of boardwalk winding through 11.5ha of rehabilitated Swan River foreshore.

The club owns the 73ha peninsular site freehold, giving it a massive headstart on development of what real estate experts say is the most prized residential land in Australia.

Perth Racing will officially present the project to the Town of Victoria Park before Christmas. Chairman Ted van Heemst said the club expected full environmental and other approvals by the middle of next year, with a start on the first construction stage pencilled in for October 2007 with a May 2009 completion.

Joint venture partners are expected to be invited into the project which Perth Racing believes will take 15 years to complete. The first stage will concentrate on road and foreshore infrastructure for the residential village, the remodelling of the racecourse and the completion of a new double-sided grandstand.

The State Government refused to short-list the site for the WA Museum development and Perth Racing has written to the Federal Government for support to establish a $200 million national indigenous cultural centre at the site. Mr van Heemst expected the development to cement the financial future of the club and fuel an Asian-driven boom in racing tourism.

"We want to make Belmont Park a destination not only for our residents in the State, but also to make it an interstate and international point of visitation," he said.

"The turf club is going places without this, but this is a significant added value. We believe this project will become the benchmark of how to conduct modern-day developments."

Mr van Heemst was confident "unprecedented consultation" would help clear barriers with indigenous groups and the Swan River Trust.

Perth Racing officials will meet Premier Geoff Gallop next week to discuss the plans, but have already held several open design workshops with Government agencies.

Project manager Trevor Delroy said the project would include 425 houses and 3500 units in medium and high-rise development. Fourteen to 30-storey towers would increase density closer to the rail line. The club would also give 11ha of foreshore to public space.

[Citystyle]

My eyes are watering no joke. How awsome this will be it has to happen, 8000 residents wohoo.

OMG OMG OMG. 15years cant come fast enough.

[Perth4life3]

YER OMFG !! I SAW THE PAPER 2DAY!! OMFG !! OMFG !!!

[Mr Magnate]

The plan and illustrations in today's West of the Belmont Park redevelopment look excellent and if it goes ahead it will well and truly bring life to that part of Perth where currently it sits unused.

My only concern is the height of the proposed residential towers at 30 stories high. That's putting them in the likes of Allandale Square and QV1 which I think is too big for outside the CBD and standing alone.

[waustralia]

Yesss. This is going to be awesome... but so long to wait!

30 storeys of residential, not commerical Cro. It would be around the 90m mark I think... not including any architectural addition. But still 3500 units in medium and high-rise would produce a new skyline, so a 30 storey tower/towers wouldnt look so out of place!

[Perth4life3]

yer, this is just a little bit down from where Peninsular is isn't it? it would look awesome from Mc Callem park in south Perth, or however u spell it !

[Citystyle]

If they residential tower's get to 30floor high they will range from 90-110. So along way of the large perth office blocks.Think i may have to buy a paper right know.

[Perth4life3]

you didn't buy it already? you make me sick !!

[Auxodium]

wow....awesome! Very HK..... I like :D

Perth needs this sort of thing, then with the Bunbury international raceway that's going up, we can become a major destination outside of Asia for asian sports fanatics...


i want the trots to be merged with Belmont. Better for both associations i believe. (and frees up East Perth land!)


it was all the talk at work at Ascot 2day, i am glad it is going ahead.

[Johnvb]

My only concern is the height of the proposed residential towers at 30 stories high. That's putting them in the likes of Allandale Square and QV1 which I think is too big for outside the CBD and standing alone.

Yep I was thinking that exact same thing, 30 is far too high an area outside the CBD/immediate surrounds...

[dallas]

Yep I was thinking that exact same thing, 30 is far too high an area outside the CBD/immediate surrounds...

If the only buildings there were 30 stories, then yes I'd agree, but with a number of buildings ranging up tp 30, there will be a supporting skyline, so it won't look out of place.

[Dilaz89]

Theres no way this is too big! Imagine when the Penunsular, Hill 60, other busrwood developemnts, dome site ,riverside are done. This area is going to be THE SHIT!:D

[Auxodium]

there are 12 sites which will be narrowed down to 4, my guess is east perth power station, foreshore, railway land and treasury building, my guess is they will go with the cheapest option not the best as perth usualy, would be noice in the power station, but a brand new landlmark would be great for perth


hmm i like the idea of the museum being in Perth City, not anywhere else. So i think the treasury building would be nice. Plus i think the old power station should be a museum for electricity of wa, ie run by western power or whomever as another museum.

[Ipggi]

hmm i like the idea of the museum being in Perth City, not anywhere else. So i think the treasury building would be nice. Plus i think the old power station should be a museum for electricity of wa, ie run by western power or whomever as another museum.

How obvious, the plan to make it into an art gallery was a bit more creative and interesting ..

[Auxodium]

How obvious, the plan to make it into an art gallery was a bit more creative and interesting ..


well yes that too. as that section of east perth is still neglected.

[Dilaz89]

the vision
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/2584/dsc000636gm.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/6490/dsc000655na.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Citystyle]

OMG. Thanks as i never got around to getting the paper.

The tallest towers do look over 100m.

[Scraperfan]

Looks great.

I don't think they will allow the towers right next to the race track like that for shadowing reasons and I also dont think there will be that many towers that close together, but i bet it will end up pretty close to this.

would be good if they could allow one landmark tower with no height limit to be built.

[NailZ]

The towers to the east of the track are much smaller, so they would probably only cause shadowing in the early hours of the morning over a small section of the grounds.

The towers close to the rail line are to the south - south west so they will have no impact.

Taken in context with the other developments in this area, I think the heights are about right. Also, clustering dwellings around the transport node is a more efficient use of this land too, I'd like to see similar clusters in other inner suburban areas too.

IMO this rocks, hope it goes through :)

[KamikazeTaxi]

I think it is fantastic. I hope this gets of the ground and sets a really good example for the rest of suburban Perth...

[Scraperfan]

and finally some decent height "absolute waterfront" towers :)

About time!

[RocStar]

A much clearer pic
http://www.edart.com.au/belmont.jpg
:drool:

[Citystyle]

http://www.edart.com.au/belmont.jpg
:drool:

:master: :master: :master: :guns1: :guns1: :horse: :horse: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :cheers1: :cheers1: :bow: :bow: :bow: :rock: :rock: :rock: :banana: :cucumber: :cheers: :eek2: :shocked: :dance:

[Citystyle]

"Suck on that docklands". Should be the name of the development.

[Citystyle]

So what esle does Rocstar have up his sleeve?

Post the burswood pics already!!!

[Scribbler]

Some more Belmont Park pics.

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/3091/belmont10ug.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4287/belmont26rf.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/258/belmont31sf.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/1359/belmont42hw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[RocStar]

Holly shite batman..Look at all those skylines! 5..Belmont~Burswood~CDB~South Perth and Crawley
Great Pics Scribbler!
Citystyle, Burswood plans wont be released til May.

[Scraperfan]

Almost 6 if you count the future East Perth/Riverside and then 7 because Gloucester Park may get towers too.

[RocStar]

Cool. It could have been 8 with the Coastline.

[Perth4life]

omg.. look at scribblers pic, the scrapers look to be well over 100m+ at belmont!

id seen the other render before in the paper.

[Citystyle]

They are giver than most in perth from that angle. So i guess the tallest would be 115m?

[Muse]

"Suck on that docklands". Should be the name of the development.:|

[Citystyle]

:|

I agree :jk: . Sydney siders should aways attack Melbourne your letting your team down. Shame. :)

[waustralia]

Is the render on the wrong side? Or is the track being moved to the west of the site?

[Auxodium]

those pics are so uber in micro. :D lol

[Scraperfan]

Is the render on the wrong side? Or is the track being moved to the west of the site?

That puzzled me too, in the renders the track is moved west, why not just build on the west side? They must have reasons.

[perthguy78]

the track is going to be moved. not sure why

[Scribbler]

The track is being moved west, well spotted. The Turf Club wants to build the developmont on the eastern bank of the river so that the riverside entertainment precinct (ie. where the jetties are) is protected from the sea breeze.

The Turf Club believes this will give it an advantage over, say, the Mounts Bay foreshore redevelopment which will have the sea breeze blowing up the guts of the Swan River and under the Narrows bridge - not so pleasant when you are trying to enjoy an al fresco meal or a coffee.

[Citystyle]

The track is being moved west, well spotted. The Turf Club wants to build the developmont on the eastern bank of the river so that the riverside entertainment precinct (ie. where the jetties are) is protected from the sea breeze.

The Turf Club believes this will give it an advantage over, say, the Mounts Bay foreshore redevelopment which will have the sea breeze blowing up the guts of the Swan River and under the Narrows bridge - not so pleasant when you are trying to enjoy an al fresco meal or a coffee.

It adds to the event.

[Johnvb]

Hmmm this looks really impressive....but I can't help but think how amazing the CBD skyline would look with the addition of these 10 or so towers...given their height (33 floors) the appear a little out of place. How much depth and density could these add to east perth/riverside??? It would lengthen our skyline from Kings Park to the causeway/burswood. Not to mention the new population it would add to the CBD to liven it up...so whilst I think its a great idea...perhaps it is ten years too soon for Perth? Let the CBD establish its dominance first.

[Scraperfan]

Nah I say let the pockets of development spring up all around this central Swan River area. That way it will all in fill and no where will be deemed out of place for high rise development. This will create a nice spread with East Perth and the CBD developing of their own accord, along with the Peninsula, future Burswood Resort high rises, this Belmont high rise precinct, Riverside, Gloucester Park, East Perth Power Station.

It will be high rise up to 30+ floors everywhere you look, it will be fantastic.

I see your point, but disagree. Let them build.

[Citystyle]

Prices will change. You wont need millions to buy an apartment.

[chrisaus]

a very very exciting project

the structure plan lodged with the town of victoria park
http://www.vicpark.ws/pdf/BelmontParkRacecourse.pdf

[Scraperfan]

When Gloucester Park and Ascot see the success of this, even before it starts to get built, I think they will copy the proposal with their own versions.

I know the Gloucester one has already been proposed but it will hurry things up.

(if only GP would move!)

[Scribbler]

Ascot is owned by the same people as Belmont - Perth Racing.

[Scraperfan]

Shit sorry talk about sounding dumb.

Thats great then, why wouldnt they develop the Ascot site, the same success can be repeated there seeing as its right by the river too.

[perthguy78]

maybe different council

[Citystyle]

It is ones in belmont the other is vic park. LOL.

[Auxodium]

Ascot is owned by the same people as Belmont - Perth Racing.

Which is the Western Australian Turf Club Inc.
they trade as that but they have on their letter heads Perth Racing.

[chrisaus]

notice how in some of the renderings glouster park is gone and replaced with residential...

[Citystyle]

True and there is two new coves. So the render includes river side.

[Scraperfan]

wow youre right, I didnt notice that... cool cheers for pointing it out chris.

[Auxodium]

lol get rid of the dump :P

[chrisaus]

the sooner this starts the better, this site is pretty embarasing and with the huge demand for inner city and waterfront apartments it couldnt come sooner

[Scribbler]

Chrisaus - it's still a long, long, long way away. Don't expect to see work start for, I would guess, four or five years.

[Dilaz89]

they want to gain all approvals this year and begin next year.

[Scribbler]

Good luck ...

[Dilaz89]

The council support in in theroy and no objections have been made against it from the vic park residence comitee. The dpi are sure to approve it as it fits in perfectly with network city. The swan river trust and the abos however..... thats where the delays will come in.

Perth racing are trying to overcome these predicted delays by;
-appealing to the swan riv er trust by making it thier new home, if they (SRT) decide to move there and;
- askign the feds for $200million to start an aboriginal museum.

Just hope it works.

[Citystyle]

Good luck ...

The Nimby's support it so the council wont object.

[docker]

how do you know the nimby's support it.

[Citystyle]

how do you know the nimby's support it.

On there website. They think it's a good location for highrise. They dont want highrise rising from there suburbia but dont mind highrise at belmont.

[Scribbler]

It's not just up to the council. The entire site is currently zoned private recreation in the Metropolitan Region Scheme. It needs to be rezoned to something else - probably special urban or something like that. An MRS amendment will take at least 12 months. Until the amendment is through, Vic Park council cannot even approve the structure plan. I agree that all the ducks seem to be in a row as far as council/public support, etc, BUT ... I don't think it's going to be that simple!

[chrisaus]

...

[Dilaz89]

The Western Australian Turf Club has presented the WAPC with a structure plan to reconstruct Belmont Park racecourse and develop the surrounding area as a major residential and recreational precinct.



The redevelopment provides for a mix of uses including high rise and medium density housing and retail and commercial uses. It also includes a new racetrack and grandstand and revegetation of the Swan River foreshore for public access.



The WAPC has given the proposal its support in principle. The WAPC believes that the WATC has presented an outstanding application of Network City principles based on the promotion of a major activity centre at an inner city location.



The WAPC has requested the WATC make a number of changes to the structure plan including that the first stage of development include high density housing to justify the commencement of regular passenger services at Belmont Park train station.



The WAPC also drew attention to the importance of developing a strategy for the integration of the project with current planning for the Burswood Peninsula and the provision of affordable housing.



The next step in the process is for the WAPC to rezone the land in the Metropolitan Region Scheme. The Town of Victoria Park will need to adopt the structure plan before development proceeds.



Both processes will involve community consultation, which may lead to further changes in plans for the development.

[Citystyle]

V v v Vancouver.

Of course they loved it. A huge hurdle overcome.

[chrisaus]

Belmont Park Redevelopment, Perth, Western Australia
Woods Bagot was commissioned to develop a Masterplan for the WA Turf Club to create a residential opportunity to deal with the growing population. The riverfront of the racecourse will be developed offering dwellings for ten thousand, enhancing the ecological foreshore and developing a festive retail precinct.
http://www.woodsbagot.com.au/images/Projects/I506.jpg
http://www.woodsbagot.com.au/images/Projects/I507.jpg

[ryan79]

Holy shit its already haunted!

[chrisaus]

according to the west towers will be up to 30 levels+

[Citystyle]

Be back in second having shower changing pants!

nICE.

[Auxodium]

Be back in second having shower changing pants!

nICE.

lol thanks for that :p


mmmm impressive.

[chrisaus]

Belmont Park special events station will become a full line station when this project is up and running, also should see an upgrade of burswood railway station by then

[chrisaus]

i was having a look at a nimby anit high rise in vic park forum and they actually support belmont and peninsula developments!

[Citystyle]

told u so.

[docker]

A much clearer pic
http://www.edart.com.au/belmont.jpg
:drool:

i just noticed there is a soccer field and a cricket field in the centre of the racecourse, between the two lakes.

[docker]

http://www.edart.com.au/belmont1.jpg

another pic.

i reckon it might be better to keep the glouster park where it is, and somehow move trinity college to a different location, so the dog track can move in next to the trots, then there could be a racing precienct with trots, dogs and horse racing. and then put up developments (high rises) which focus on the trots and dog tracks.

[Citystyle]

Trinity should just go highrise with indoor sporting area and use parks ect but that takes money.

[Perth4life]

whats trinity and glouster park got to do with belmont.

[docker]

the first post in the thread is about glouster park and people keep saying that glouster and belmont should merge.

[Dilaz89]

A turf war, quite literally, has erupted between the neighbouring councils of Victoria Park and Belmont over control of the valuable riverside racecourse of Belmont Park.

The City of Belmont wants the well-known site to be returned to its jurisdiction after a 100-year absence.

It has submitted a proposal to the Local Government Advisory Board to have the boundary between it and Victoria Park amended, to transfer control of Belmont Park.

The 73 hectare racecourse site is owned by the WA Turf Club and is earmarked for a $2 billion redevelopment including a mix of medium to high density residential development, retail and commercial precincts and a new grandstand complex, that has key support from the Western Australian Planning Commission.

Belmont CEO Dr Shayne Silcox and Mayor Glenys Godfrey met with the Town of Victoria Park late yesterday to advise it of the proposal, which drew fire from Victoria Park chief executive John Bonker.

Mr Bonker told WA Business News the proposal was a blatant land grabbing exercise and council would vigorously defend the move.

"It's poor form. We're an open and transparent council and have always been on good terms with our neighbours," Mr Bonker said.

"I am disappointed that the city has chosen to present us with a fait accompli without prior warning or discussions."

The proposal already has the support of the WA Turf Club, who were approached by the City of Belmont.

Perth Racing chief executive Alasdair Robertson said the club had a good relationship between both councils but it made sense to change the boundaries as it was already split from Victoria Park by the Graham Farmer Freeway.

"I think it's a good move to have 100 per cent of Perth Racing in Belmont. We've already got 3,000 horses training there, we're transforming Grandstand Road and doing a $10 million plus residential subdivision at Ascot Waters," Mr Robertson said.

"Belmont has told us that even if there was no development going on at Belmont Park, they would still want the boundary changed."

At stake in the dispute is a forecasted rate revenue of $5 million per year from the new community, when an estimated 8,000 people make the Belmont Park site home in the next ten years.

Victoria Park Mayor Mick Lee said there would be a substantial residential community on the site, and its connection would be with the community currently being established on the Peninsula at Burswood, not with any part of Belmont.

City of Belmont chief executive Shayne Silcox said in a statement the proposed change was in response to physical changes in the area, such as the development of the Freeway, which had caused the Belmont Park area to become a virtual island, with the exception of the link to the City of Belmont.

"The proposed boundary change is a minor realignment of the boundary between the two councils to reflect the physical features of the area - the Graham Farmer Freeway and the Swan River," Dr Silcox said.

"Currently, the City of Belmont's western boundary is Orrong Road, which becomes Graham Farmer Freeway. The amendment will simply extend the boundary along the line of these roads."

He said the development of Belmont Park Racecourse under Belmont's jurisdiction would ensure continuity, efficiency and quality results.



The full text of an announcement from the Town of Victoria Park is pasted below:

The Town of Victoria Park is disappointed and outraged that the City of Belmont has submitted a proposal to the Local Government Advisory Board to have the Racecource transferred to its jurisdiction without any prior consultation or discussion of its intention to do so.

"We have always been on good terms with our neighbours and are open and transparent in all our dealings, so I am disappointed that the City has chosen to present us with this fait accompli without prior warning or discussions." Mayor Mick Lee said.

"Needless to say the Town will be defending this blatant land poaching attempt vigorously. The arguments put forward by Belmont are specious and the Town is confident of refuting them."

"In the longer term there will be a substantial residential community on this site and its connection will be with the community currently being established on the Peninsula, not with any part of Belmont." Mayor Lee said.

"The Town is not aware that managing two racecourses in separate local authorities has ever been a disadvantage to the WA Turf Club. In the past 40 years plus I have been on Council this has never been raised", he said.



The full text of an announcement from the City of Belmont is pasted below:

PROPOSED CHANGE TO PUT BELMONT PARK IN BELMONT
The City of Belmont has submitted a proposal to the Local Government Advisory Board to move its boundaries to include the Belmont Park Racecourse.

City of Belmont CEO, Shayne Silcox said the proposed change responds to the physical changes in the area including the development of the Freeway, causing the Belmont Park area to become a virtual island, with the exception of the link to the City of Belmont.

"The proposed boundary change is a minor realignment of the boundary between the two councils to reflect the physical features of the area - the Graham Farmer Freeway and the Swan River," said Dr Silcox.

"Currently, the City of Belmont's western boundary is Orrong Road, which becomes Graham Farmer Freeway. The amendment will simply extend the boundary along the line of these roads."

"Many West Australians, and visitors to the State, assume that Belmont Park Racecourse is, as the name suggests, already in Belmont," he continued.

"A minor amendment would help to clear-up this confusion for everyone. It's a practical change based on common sense.

"The City of Belmont believes it can deliver real benefits to the WATC through the expertise we have developed in racing industry matters.

"We also believe we can provide the WATC with very good support and a productive working relationship as it progresses its residential development plans on the Belmont Park Racecourse site.

"We are already working well with the WATC in the development of the Ascot Racecourse site and we have good expertise in riverside developments in the area.

"The development of Belmont Park Racecourse under our jurisdiction would ensure continuity, efficiency and quality results," Dr Silcox concluded.

The proposal has the full backing of the Western Australian Turf Club which believes the move would benefit the industry and correct an historical anomaly.

"The racing industry has a rich history and strong ties with the City of Belmont which is already home to the Ascot Racecourse," said Perth Racing CEO Alasdair Robertson.

"This change would bring the final piece of large metropolitan racing industry infrastructure into the City of Belmont - the only metropolitan local government authority that has a residential stables zone supported by local laws, as well as other racing industry infrastructure and activity," he said.

"It would also eliminate duplication and streamline operations for the WA Turf Club which has had to work intimately with two separate local government authorities."

[planner-stu]

Hmmmmm... I heard about this quite some time ago. There is more to all this than what has been said in the above media releases. The player in this saga with the most to gain is neither the town of vic park or the city of belmont.

[Dilaz89]

go on...

[planner-stu]

Well think about it... if you were the developer of a massive greenfields site on the doorstep of inner city perth, and said greenfields site happened to be located on the boundary of two LAs, it might be in your interests to approach both LAs in order to maximise your output. Lets say for instance that Vic Park was unhappy with the way the developers intended to situate POS in this development. It would make sense to approach Belmont, with the allure of all those future ratepayers, and ask that they were perhaps a little more forgiving when it comes to their structure planning and approvals processes. The media releases above make it seem as though the site has always been hotly contested land when infact it hasn't. Fortunately for both the developers and for Belmont, they have a good case for a boundary change... I suppose that we will have to wait and see what happens.

[Dilaz89]

I want a new LGA to be created. This can cater for Buswood and Belmont park. The area would probably be the same size as PCC. Remember, the responsibilites for high-density are way more demanding than low density when it comes to rubbish collection, general maintenece ect.. I don't think either council could handle it. once the area north of Burswood railway line has been developed, the dome transformed plus the rest of the packer stuff that will happen, this area could be home to about 20,000 realistically.

I think there should be a new city called Burswood around here.

[Bonga]

Don't smaller LGA's find it harder to be economically sustainable or something like that? I was under the impression that there's quite a few in Perth that are under pressure to merge.

What were the reasons for the City of Perth splitting into four?

[Dilaz89]

too big of an area to govern or some shit. It was part of some government reform in 94' to do so.

Only stagnate (non-progressive) LGA's find it hard to survive.

[Bonga]

too big of an area to govern or some shit. It was part of some government reform in 94' to do so.
Interesting... that doesn't seem to be a problem in Brisbane! Compare the areas/populations...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth_City_Council
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brisbane_City_Council

[Ipggi]

You know it was interesting. Over here where I live it was originally part of the Sydney city council. Then in the early 1990s they broke the SCC up and we became part of the South Sydney Council. Unfortunately the South Sydney Council having a smaller population base while having to cover a large area was always completely under-funded and all the inner-city suburbs covered under it's catchment were often very shab with dilapidated infrastructure.

A couple of years ago remerged South Sydney Council into the obviously richer Sydney City Council. And honestly there has been such a major improvement in the years since. There has been a lot more money spent on general infrustructure and services that the old council could never have had hoped to afford. Major street upgrades have occured, all the old SSC streets are now properly signed (yes the old council couldn't even afford to do this!), all the limited street parking was re-evaluated, the new council even opened up convenient innercity offices for their new constituents.

Even though there was a heap of scare mongering at the time, the merge resulted in nothing but good.

[Ipggi]

Joondalup (C) 157,132
Stirling (C) 182,047
Wanneroo (C) 107,317

Perth (C) 11,821

lol

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/3218.0Main%20Features62004-05?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=3218.0&issue=2004-05&num=&view=

[Citystyle]

It's Obvious small councils fail to raise the funds for good infalstructure. Hope that in 20 years it will be back on the agenda to merge inner areas.

[Bonga]

Fortunately for both the developers and for Belmont, they have a good case for a boundary change... I suppose that we will have to wait and see what happens.
What makes you say they have a good case? While I'm not biased either way, none of the benefits Belmont have touted strike me as being significant enough to warrant the change.

Geographically, I agree (with Vic Park) that the land has a stronger connection to Burswood than to the rest of Belmont.

[tayls84]

This is very interesting... I also think that the big winner will be the turf club.

Belmont Park is definately more connected to Vic Park than Belmont. The only Rd out of the area (Victoria Park Dve) takes cars into the Vic Park governed peninsula and beyond. Then the GFF is 50/50 Belmont, Vic Park. The only direct connection to Belmont is a cycle path that follows the GFF.

I remember that when the PCC was being split (of which Belmont Park belonged) one option for the Vic Park area was to use the Armadale train line as a boundry and give Lathlain, Carlisle and Belmont Park to the City of Belmont, and Vic Park, East Vic Park and Burswood to the City of South Perth. Back then neither neighbouring Council wanted a bar of it, how things change when there's a few bob up for grabs.

[Girlyman]

Splitting the city councils was not a wise planning decision really. Really there should be at most four or five proffesional regional councils in Perth.
All of these small councils just create more problems than they solve for effective planning.

[Dilaz89]

wonder what the future of this is. Seems to be linked to Burke, somehow.

Can someone elaborate?

[Bonga]

Any chance that Transperth will make Belmont Park Train Station a regular stop (rather than events-only) once this development is established? Given the proposed density of the development, it seems like it would be worthwhile. Perhaps a feeder bus service could be justified, too.

Or would they be more likely to just introduce a bus service that runs directly into the city? (Given that they are trying to avoid having too many train stations close together.)

[Scraperfan]

wonder what the future of this is. Seems to be linked to Burke, somehow.

Can someone elaborate?


He was linked with the idea of having the Aboriginal Heritage Museum located there, he met with Ian Campbell the environment minister about it.

Nothing that would impact the development as a whole, he was probably involved with a company wanting to build the building or operate it.

[Scribbler]

Burke and Grill were consultants to the Turf Club on this one, but they aren't anymore.

[Dilaz89]

yeah the station would be full time and upgraded.

So, is this delayed or still bieng worked?

[Citystyle]

Probably still being worked it's got support what else does it need?

[Scribbler]

It's still a long, long way off.

I'm not across all the details, but it's a massive structure plan, and the devil is likely to be in the detail.

[Dilaz89]

hope so, they aim for 2015 completion, but they wanted to get started sometime this year on infrastructure.

[Dilaz89]

I was talking to someone who was on the planning team for this project. I can tell you now, shes a goer. :)

[Dilaz89]

The official height limit for this area anyway is 115m. Same as Adelaide.

The guy I talked to said tall, slim towers where considered over smaller/wider ones as they do not want to replicate the Peninsular.

[Citystyle]

I was talking to someone who was on the planning team for this project. I can tell you now, shes a goer. :)

The Woman or the project. Or are they the same thing....;)

It's what i thought, thnx anyhow. Showed this project to my brother back from London he said he would move there.

[Neonxian]

The official height limit for this area anyway is 115m. Same as Adelaide.

Are they going to try and get the hight limit changed or will all the resi buildings be under 115?

[Bullswool]

i'm sure they would just keep with it, it would make it easier. But jesus, 115m on the peninsula, i could live with that.

[docker]

i found a copy of last wednesdays paper at home and decided to look at it, and in the Autumn Racing part there was an article about the Pinjarra racetrack's development, but there was a paragraph about the belmont redevelopment.

"The proposed closure of Belmont Park for at least 18 months during the track development phase of Perth's premier winter course was the catalyst to Pinjarra's upgrade being fast-tracked.
The multi-billion dollar residential development of Belmont Park was due to begin in 2009.
However, the development under the current plan has stalled after Perth Racing hit an impasse with the Swan River Trust."

so this project has hit it's first hurdle.

[crave]

ppfft swan river trust... board full of nimbys :D

[Bullswool]

2009? As long as it gets done. I finnish uni in 2009, maybe i should consider living there :)

[Citystyle]

2009? As long as it gets done. I finnish uni in 2009, maybe i should consider living there :)

If it goes ahead. The area will show great resale prices too.

[Dilaz89]

They'll get there. The swan river trust accept bribes.

[crave]

They'll get there. The swan river trust accept bribes.

lol.

[Citystyle]

They'll get there. The swan river trust accept bribes.

Ill give Burke a call.

[Scribbler]

Burkey's already been involved in this one!

[Neonxian]

yep, he was doing something with the aboriginal museum as i recall.

[docker]

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=20

Crucial talks over Belmont
11th May 2007, 9:00 WST

Perth Racing chief Ted van Heemst will today have high-level talks with senior staff of two State Government Ministers in a bid to speed up the multi-billion dollar riverside development of Belmont Park racecourse.

Van Heemst and senior project consultants will meet advisers to Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan and Environment Minister David Templeman to discuss the project.

PR faces an impasse with the Swan River Trust on the percentage of land to be provided for reserve for public recreation on the foreshore.

The trust insists 16.3 hectares of the foreshore is needed to provide adequate ecological protection and public access to the Swan River.

PR claims it can provide 11.5 hectares for public use and that any encroachment on this will undermine the economic viability of the project.

The site is in a sensitive area from an environmental view, because it butts on to the Swan River and due to the need to remove contaminated soils.

“There is no doubt the site will be redeveloped,” van Heemst said.

“The chairman of the WA Planning Commission has publicly endorsed this project as state-ofthe-art and of worldwide significance. The government is fully behind it.

“The structure plan has dealt with all of the issues and the development project is considered to be an enhancement of the existing state of the river foreshore.

“We are still looking at starting the project somewhere in 2009 at the very latest.”

SRT’s statutory assessments manager Paul Stephens said the trust supported the project, but its task was to protect the natural value of the river.

“In our view, the portion of land proposed by PR on the river foreshore is too small to provide environmental protection, proper public access and enjoyment of foreshore,” Stephens said.

“The SRT understands PR has had difficulties in developing the site and we have had constructive discussions with them in an effort to resolve issues.”

Van Heemst said PR would appeal against an Environment Protection Authority review to investigate the impact the development would have on the river, foreshore reserve and the further examination of contaminated sites.

“The recommendation of the EPA does not alter the project in any way, only adding unnecessary bureaucratic intervention,” van Heemst said. “We are astounded at the time taken to arrive at this ad hoc recommendation.”

ROBERT EDWARDS

[crave]

astounded is an understatement...

[Scribbler]

Good work docker, you beat me to it -- just spotted this story in the racing section of today's West.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. This project has a LONG way to go.

[docker]

i read it in the paper, so i came on to add it.

[ryan79]

Worldwide significance?

[Scraperfan]

its totally ridiculous how they claim access to the foreshore. how many people right now actually use it in its current state? hardly any!

so this actually increases enjoyment.

they may do well to give further height concessions in exchange for more open land. this would then provide the required scale for the expected economic gain.

worldwide significance is a bit fanciful.

[Dilaz89]

Yay!!! its moving and likely to happen. They are going all out to ensure this happens. Good on PR.

[Bullswool]

woo this is good news! It definately means it is going ahead. If its starting in 2009, i might consider buying there, its around the time i will finish uni! As for land to enjoy the river, 16 hectares seems a bit excessive.... But it depends how many people will be living here.

[Ari Gold]

Gee 09 seems like an exciting year. With this and NBL and hopefully the footy stadium all starting up. And Bishops, Raine and 140 in the near future.... I guess Perth isnt that bad right now.

But whens this one schedule to be complete. Like the Docklands is a 22 yr plan, how longs this baby going to take. At least until 2015 yeah?

[Bullswool]

its something like 10-15 years. Aren't they trying to shorten that due to public interest?

[Johnvb]

lets wait til 09 and see if its got off the ground ;)

[docker]

the towers in the redevelopment will go basicly inline with CP, Bank West and QV1 as seen below, so i will loose my view when i walk to work, but i might gain a better one.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6468/dsc000421bq9.jpg

[Bullswool]

what view will you lose? There is nothing behind them to see!

[Scraperfan]

you wont lose any view at all. your seeing the pic wrong imo

[docker]

^^ if the belmont towers get built i won't be able to see CP or BAnk west. not the bloody ocean or some crap like that.

[Citystyle]

^^ if the belmont towers get built i won't be able to see CP or BAnk west. not the bloody ocean or some crap like that.

Um right wont it be to the right more, infront of Qv1?

[Dilaz89]

It will actually appear rather 'big city' like from that pic.

[Citystyle]

Yeah i fail to see the issue, more city to see.

[docker]

Yeah i fail to see the issue, more city to see.

:gaah:

but i might gain a better one.


i will try and not use too much sarcasm next time, or use better emoticons.:)

[Scraperfan]

The tops of the buildings wont even reach where you can see the base of cp and bankwest in that photo.

[crave]

i think your problem might be closer than you think...

*cough*tree branch*cough*

[Scraperfan]

lol. docker look at where the peninsula towers are, if anything they will just obscure the telstra building. god forbid!

[docker]

lol. docker look at where the peninsula towers are, if anything they will just obscure the telstra building. god forbid!

Um right wont it be to the right more, infront of Qv1?


i actualy just thought about it and looked on google earth, and i think the two of you might be right which would be great.

and just so everyone know i only posted the pic and wrote what i did so to keep the thread going and keep it on the first page because i realy want to see this happen and are excitied for it.

sorry for all of the confusion.:ohno:

[docker]

A turf war, quite literally, has erupted between the neighbouring councils of Victoria Park and Belmont over control of the valuable riverside racecourse of Belmont Park.

The City of Belmont wants the well-known site to be returned to its jurisdiction after a 100-year absence.


so does anyone know if this is in city of belmont or town of Vic Park? or are they still working it out.

[Scribbler]

For now it's Vic Park but the LGAB hasn't made its recommendation yet. Ultimately it's up to the Local Government Minister (Ravlich) to decide.

[Auxodium]

and we all know she was a fan of OBE and tried to force it through.... maybe the case if it is up to her... :p lol

[chrisaus]

http://www.edart.com.au/belmontpkred2.jpg

[stevo89]

i hope this thing gets built, it can become a second touristy spot

[PD]

^^
2nd? You really undervalue Perth.

[Th3-Co0L-P3rTh-Guy]

:rofl: anyway i like that picture

[docker]

considering the Vic Park council that just got elected, is anti-highrise, i think i want this to be in the City of Belmont, just to screw over the town of Vic park.

[Dilaz89]

Jesus I really want to see this get up. I wonder if they are still pushing ahead for an aboriginal museum.

[Auxodium]

yuk, i suppose that is a good idea... this project seemed to be going cold atm.

[crave]

Jesus I really want to see this get up. I wonder if they are still pushing ahead for an aboriginal museum.

this should be in tha city...

i feel there's too many precincts going on atm... and i get tha feeling tha govt wants to do a ferry system to get people on tha water... which sounds all good... but then they're getting ideas for a new museum out in east perth, tha aboriginal museum, cultural precinct etc being built for these places...

i would like to see one cultural hub in perth rather than places sprawled around... sounds all nice that you get to take a whole day and make your way around in tha water to these places but in tha meantime, these are going no where becos they're dependant on these precincts actually taking place...

[Girlyman]

I like the idea of the Belmont Park project. It encourages the growth of inner-city style living in Perth and it give the city a new precinct for restaurants, pubs and other nightlife as well as a potential site for more tourism developments. It also allows for even more people to live near the inner city while providing more land and therefore lower prices in general for apartments.

I like the idea of Perth becoming more like London (extreme example) where there are several different inner city areas which are fairly close together but still seperate. I would much prefer that model than say Melbourne where everything is more centralised or the Sydney model where there are many suburban high density areas (chatswood etc) which are quite far apart.

[crave]

interesting point there...

i guess for things like sports, arts, culture... i really do like them to be centralised...

i think it's mainly becos perth doesn't have tha convinience of public transport that can get you to all directions in tha outer cbd...

[Ari Gold]

this should be in tha city...

i feel there's too many precincts going on atm... and i get tha feeling tha govt wants to do a ferry system to get people on tha water... which sounds all good... but then they're getting ideas for a new museum out in east perth, tha aboriginal museum, cultural precinct etc being built for these places...

i would like to see one cultural hub in perth rather than places sprawled around... sounds all nice that you get to take a whole day and make your way around in tha water to these places but in tha meantime, these are going no where becos they're dependant on these precincts actually taking place...

Agreed.

[Homeroids]

Announced today that Vic Park will keep control of the Belmont raceway and Peninsular.

http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au/LocalGovt/AdvisoryBoard/CurrentInquiries.asp#Racecourse

[Bullswool]

Well hopefully they won't whinge about that one having tall towers. Otherwise give it to Belmont.

[Scraperfan]

Oh for fucks sake.

Bye bye, decent proposal...

[Homeroids]

Well they did allow Burswood to go ahead. There's a PDF in the article that I linked to on the DLGRD site. It has a whole bunch about it.

You know, this is just about the 6-8 mill in rates revenue whatever City/Town Council would have got access to from the envisaged 8k residents due to the project. Vic Park have had it for 113years.

[Citystyle]

Bye bye, decent proposal

There is no community opposition to the Belmont park proposal in Victoria Park. They will simply go around the council if they cause problems.

Now this is out of the way, it can move forward.

[Scraperfan]

Fantastic news guys!

The decision to give Vic Park the authority over the precinct is false. As reported in WA Business News today, a staffer at the website incorrectly posted one of two media statements.

The minister has yet to make the decision so it is still up for grabs!

Go Belmont!

[Homeroids]

Fantastic news guys!

The decision to give Vic Park the authority over the precinct is false. As reported in WA Business News today, a staffer at the website incorrectly posted one of two media statements.

The minister has yet to make the decision so it is still up for grabs!

Go Belmont!

Nope, incorrect. This is now absolutely official. Goto that link:

http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au/LocalGovt/AdvisoryBoard/CurrentInquiries.asp#Racecourse

The Minister made it official yesterday. It's staying with Vic Park.

Trust me.

You want more evidence:

http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/media/media.nsf

[Scraperfan]

ok thanks for clarifying.

business news went to print yesterday afternoon so perhaps was confirmed after that.

im only going from what it says in the paper, fresh out f its wrapping :)

[Homeroids]

I wish Belmont was true too. :)

The press release was at 3pm yesterday.

[Scraperfan]

and just to point out the irony... belmont park will not be in err... belmont, but the town of victoria park?

shouldnt it then be called victoria park racecourse?

fuck i hate inconsistency.

[Homeroids]

I don't think Vic Park is going to have too much power with inserting their will when it comes to height limits because there are so many other players in this and possibly they may encourage it because it's on the peninsular away from nagging embedded rate payers that had such a large say in the Nutrimetics site a few years back. They want as much rates revenue out of this as possible.

[Auxodium]

i think most people in Vic Park would support the plan i believe, as 'no one' lives on the peninsular

[Scraperfan]

if they had a line of keep the causeway low and concentrate highrise on the peninsular, i would not have a problem with that if that is what it takes.

[chrisaus]

Government of Western Australia
Media Statement
Notification Service Home page

Statement Released: 8-Nov-2007
Portfolio: Local Government

Belmont Park Racecourse to remain in Victoria Park

8/11/07

Local Government Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich today accepted a recommendation by the Local Government Advisory Board to reject a proposal by the City of Belmont for an amendment to its boundary to incorporate the Belmont Park Racecourse.

Ms Ravlich said the board had found insufficient justification for the proposal, which did not adequately address the significant future developments planned for the area.

In accepting the board’s decision, the Minister said the decision was the right one in that it recognised a long historical connection as well as the ongoing benefit of the peninsula remaining under the auspices of a single local government authority.

“From a planning perspective the board argued that dividing the Burswood Peninsula between two local governments was not a desirable outcome and for the benefit of all stakeholders, current and future, the area should remain under the control of the Town of Victoria Park,” she said.

“The Belmont Racecourse was originally under the control of the Victoria Park Roads Board, which was proclaimed in 1894, and there has been a clear historical connection between the Belmont Racecourse and the suburb of Victoria Park over the next 113 years.”

Ms Ravlich said the planning strategies being adopted for the peninsula were based on connecting both sides of the freeway through the Belmont Park train station and it was essential that there was connectivity and integration with the developments across the Peninsula.

“The Burswood Peninsula has always been under the control of a single local government authority and I agree with the board’s recommendation that this should not change,” she said.

“The board assessed the proposal on the basis of future development in the area, working on the basis that the expected population will be approximately 8,000.

“I believe this decision is in the best interests of all present and future stakeholders.”

Minister's office: 9213 6800




Government of Western Australia
Content authorised by the Government Media Office
Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
All contents Copyright (C) 1996. All rights reserved. Disclaimer

[Scribbler]

This plan is in HUGE trouble. I am not surprised.

Page 4 of today's West:

Turf club reins in high-rise plan
ROBERT TAYLOR STATE POLITICAL EDITOR

The WA Turf Club has significantly downgraded its $2 billion high-rise development plan for the Belmont Park racetrack precinct after strong opposition from the Swan River Trust and the Environmental Protection Authority.

The club will try to push through a far more modest proposal along the lines of the East Perth redevelopment, despite the previous plan meeting all Planning Minister Alannah MacTiernan’s requirements for sustainable inner-city living.

Ms MacTiernan is believed to have written a strongly worded letter to Environment Minister David Templeman about the development’s obstacles in October but Mr Templeman yesterday backed the EPA’s right to assess the project.

“I believe the community would expect any project of such a large scale and potential impact on the precious Swan River would receive an appropriate level of assessment,” Mr Templeman said yesterday.

“We cannot afford to have anything less than the best and most stringent processes in place when it comes to supporting appropriate development and protecting our environment.”

The WA Turf Club has worked for 10 years on the Belmont Park redevelopment, encouraged by Ms Mac-Tiernan’s Network City vision which calls for high-density inner-city living to slow urban sprawl.

The Planning Minister confirmed to The West Australian this week that she had written to Mr Templeman about the need for “macro environmental outcomes” when assessing new projects.

“We’ve got to make sure we look at the macro issues as well as the micro issues and I’ve been having discussions with Minister Templeman about taking a macro approach to this so you don’t just look at the localised environmental impact, you also look at the environmental impact that arises from having a more condensed city,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“He agrees that this has to be taken into account and we want to work through that whole Burswood peninsula, how we can get less complex governance arrangements managing to ensure that we do exploit the full potential of that site.”

In June, the chairman of the WA Planning Commission, Jeremy Dawkins, gave the Belmont proposal inprinciple support based on its Network City blueprint. “The WAPC believes that the WA Turf Club has presented an outstanding application of Network City principles based on the promotion of a major activity centre at an inner-city location,” Mr Dawkins said at the time.

The club, which owns the 73ha Belmont Park site freehold, wanted to move the existing racetrack west to make way for medium to high-density residential development along the eastern and northern banks of the Burswood peninsula.

Plans for the mixed-use precinct included residential towers of up to 30 storeys, retail and commercial uses, a new grandstand complex, an indigenous heritage and culture museum and rehabilitation of 11.5ha of the Swan River foreshore.

WA Turf Club chairman Ted Van Heemst was tight-lipped about the club’s new proposal this week but conceded that it would scale back its plans because of opposition from the Swan River Trust and the insistence on a long environmental review.

“When you look at where we started, it was really delivering what the State Government’s plan had been, and dream had been I guess. And at the end of the day, we’re working through an alternate model. It will still be the pacesetter in terms of the State vision but it will be substantially down from where we were,” Mr Van Heemst said.

He acknowledged that the Swan River Trust and the EPA had been the stumbling blocks for the club’s original plan.

“At the end of the day, there’s only really been the Swan River Trust that has made life difficult and they (the Government) haven’t been able to control the EPA the way they work, and the two of them collectively are the ones that have stopped the original thing from going forward,” he said.

[Bullswool]

Seriously what environmental impacts would arise from this?! There are so many reserves along the river already as it is. Also, they aren't building the friggen skyscrapers on the river itself. Retards, I bet they are just NIMBYs using environmental issues to their advantage.

[crave]

Ms MacTiernan is believed to have written a strongly worded letter to Environment Minister David Templeman about the development’s obstacles in October but Mr Templeman yesterday backed the EPA’s right to assess the project.


excerpt from above-mentioned strongly worded letter.

get fvct tha lot of yas and build already. i need trams!...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a206/crave1980/omg-1.gif

[PerthCity]

“At the end of the day, there’s only really been the Swan River Trust that has made life difficult

:ohno: :ohno:

[Scraperfan]

I was so angry this morning when I read that in the paper. Im so sick of this anti development bullshit Perth keeps churning out.

Pissed off.

[nazor]

I was so angry this morning when I read that in the paper. Im so sick of this anti development bullshit Perth keeps churning out.

Pissed off.

so true .... we can harly even compete with the rest of australia on our own without the yuppies making it harder for us! :mad:

[samboy]

The key to living in Perth and in general is LOWERED expectations. :lol: Did you really think this would turn out any different with so much bureaucracy at play?

[nazor]

The key to living in Perth and in general is LOWERED expectations. :lol: Did you really think this would turn out any different with so much bureaucracy at play?

....... touché.....

[NZer]

Well I wouldn't too dissapointed if it is like East Perth/Claisebrook, although some high rise would have been great over there.

[Ari Gold]

:bash:

[Auxodium]

'modest' would be 2 level houses.

Shame on you WATC and the hippys at the river trust.

[KamikazeTaxi]

There's always a reason NOT to do something while ignoring the 1,567,384 reasons TO do something...no wonder most things in this town get diluted down to the lowest common denominator.

(I wonder what the Swan River Trust and EPA are going to think about the foreshore redevelopment...)

[Auxodium]

wow wish we had this on the site... :p

http://gizmodo.com/337853/worlds-biggest-building-coming-to-moscow-looks-like-it-will-be-christmas-year+round

[Dilaz89]

The EPA are pricks and the government lets it happen. The WAPC don't even get a say until the EPA have given approvals.

We need an intergrated planning-environment department which would cover all urban areas so both planners and environmental staff can work together to achieve an outcome that considers all parties.

[NZer]

Yeah man.
And I would have thought that developments like this one would be an opportunity to clean up sections of the riverbank and make them easier to access.

[Bullswool]

I'd like to know on what grounds they rejected it. If its anything to do with less land beside the river, how much do they want?! I like my natural settings, but still, this is one part of a very long river.

[NZer]

^^ And close to the CBD

It's not like the people of Perth appreciate this part of the river the way it is now anyway, it's just reeds and junk in the back yard of a racecourse.

[Dilaz89]

what about the numerous golf courses and grass along the river? Do they not pose a greater threat than a few buildings with all the chemicals seeping into the water table?

[dallastexjr]

Any chance Alannah can 'lean' on a few people and change their minds?

[stadiumdesigner]

Any chance Alannah can 'lean' on a few people and change their minds?

im sure kev and joe would help out for an apartment somewhere in the project:lol:

[Auxodium]

what about the numerous golf courses and grass along the river? Do they not pose a greater threat than a few buildings with all the chemicals seeping into the water table?

you have a point there, so many chemicals are oumped into the ground. But they are green and lush and pretty with no buildings.... i think that is why the Swan River Trust wants it that way lol :p

[Scribbler]

Here is The West Australian's Saturday editorial on the subject. Don't think too many here would disagree with a word of it:

Naysayers rule in opposing Belmont plan

There is something regrettably familiar about opposition from the Swan River Trust and the Environmental Protection Authority to plans to develop the Belmont Park racetrack precinct.

It appears that any attempt to bring change to the city is met with resistance of one kind or another. This time, the requirement for an extensive environmental study means that the project will be downgraded. There are suggestions that a smaller-scale development will not offer the same environmental benefits as the original plan. This is despite the $2 billion development being a perfect fit with Planning Minister Alannah MacTiernan’s objective of sustainable inner-city living along established transport nodes.

Perth cannot continue its relentless sprawl into ever-more-distant suburbs, with the accompanying need for more expensive infrastructure. City planners must make better use of opportunities like that offered in Belmont. Of course the Swan River, Perth’s jewel, must be protected but the actual danger to the river from this development is not clear. It is tempting to suggest that the bureaucratic opposition is just another example of Perth’s determination to resist change.

A vibrant city must offer its residents a range of housing. Some choose to live in a big house in the suburbs while others have embraced the concept of inner-city living. Some choose different options when their family circumstances change. The rapid sale of apartments in nearby Burswood shows how strong demand is for the kind of housing the Belmont development would have offered.

The response by the trust and the EPA is bewildering and must be a great disappointment to Ms MacTiernan, whose Network City vision is the right one. It must be disappointing, too, for the WA Turf Club, which has worked for 10 years, with the encouragement of Ms MacTiernan, on a proposal which ticked every sustainability box.

Perth has a golden opportunity to repair degraded sites along the eastern part of the city’s river and to develop from scratch. It is unfortunate when conditions imposed on developers are so onerous that instead of the city having a sustainable and vibrant housing option it has second-rate one.

[perthgazer]

this shit makes me want to cry, pack up and leave this shithole of a town

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/169/001tn3.jpg

a fricking carpark! one nimby stopped a $2billion development!
wtf?

[perthgazer]

The Swan River Trust is located at:

Level 1
Hyatt Business Centre
20 Terrace Road
EAST PERTH
AUSTRALIA 6000

Phone number (8am-5pm weekdays): +61 (8) 9278 0900

Fax number: +61 (8) 9325 7149

After hours river emergency: 0419 192 845

Email: info@swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au
For planning issues, email: planning@swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au

Postal Address:

Swan River Trust
PO Box 6740
EAST PERTH
AUSTRALIA 6892

[Ipggi]

a fricking carpark! one nimby stopped a $2billion development!
wtf?

It's Perth after-all ... :ohno:

He said the trust would support the redevelopment if an adequate reserve was maintained around the foreshore.

Lol more picnic space!

[samboy]

These idiots exist to justify their existence. I blame the state govt as they have the power to do something

[Bullswool]

WTf?!! How can they be called environmentalists, they are using their title for self want. "Highrises affect the fish" - fucking twats. And whats with the carpark?! Last time I checked, encouraging more car use is bad for the environment, talk about total selfish assholes. If the state government doesn't step in with this, I seriously will have no respect for them.. They are letting the minorities overun the city :@

[NZer]

This is a very disheartening and frustrating turn of events.

I nominate the Swan River Trust as the biggest Nimby's of 2008.

What a pack of misguided, pointlessly conservative cunt crusts.

[Citystyle]

Riot@ Gallop House!!!

[NZer]

So they played the community card.
They tried to make out that if the project went ahead, it would be some kind of exclusive riverfront for the rich and famous, while all the battlers would have to drive to one of a thousand other carparks along the river to have a picnic.

[Auxodium]

for shame 'river trust' i thought they would want the turf club to allocate money to protect the area of teh river they occupy and rehabilitate.

Isnt it environmentally better to build in inner city areas to avoid clearing scrub and natural vegetation like in areas such as Butler, Burns and Alkimos?

[Citystyle]

ALP fails on institutional change. Thats the issue here. Id rather this did not go ahead now and got done well later.

[KamikazeTaxi]

^^
I agree. I'll be gutted if this site ends up being another Claisebrook...

[Auxodium]

i wouldnt blame the ALP, as i blame the 'middle men' in these departments

[Citystyle]

No i do. I think they where too soft.

[Girlyman]

well the liberals would have never put in place network city so it wouldn't have happened under them either. Politicians are fucked.

[Scrawny]

This just makes me sooo angry!

[Scraperfan]

Im livid.

There is this building, unyielding rage inside me regarding many things in Perth.

But I'd be very careful who I talked to about this post. It sounds like some dangerous psychotic killer wrote this and this buttoned down schitzo could probably snap at any moment and stalk from office to office with an Armalite AR-180 carbine gas-operated semiautomatic.

[ryan79]

SF - This is your life and its ending one minute at a time.

I'm Jack's raging anger!

[tayls84]

I was discussing this with my olds last night... They a baby boomers, quite well off, live in a 2-storey house on Burswood Peninsula, etc. Anyway I thought they'd be quite happy that this thing got rejected but they were absolutely livid. Interesting to see given their circumstances. I wonder if this is the sentiment within the community as a whole?

My point is I'm sure we're not the only people upset by this decision. We must do something!

[KamikazeTaxi]

I'm Jack's raging anger!

lol..nice Fight Club reference...

[Scraperfan]

Lol it was and so was my stalking office to office quote. I wondered if people would recognise it or just think im a loon. :)

Luckily Ryan is as much of a diehard fan as me.

[Auxodium]

i think the attitude is changing in Perth, however there are poeple in positions of power who are opposed to these developments and therefore say 'the community' dont want it...

[KamikazeTaxi]

Lol it was and so was my stalking office to office quote. I wondered if people would recognise it or just think im a loon. :)

Luckily Ryan is as much of a diehard fan as me.

I think some people on this board were still in the single digit age group when that film came out...

[Ipggi]

I think some people on this board were still in the single digit age group when that film came out...

I think it's safe to say some people were not even born when the original came out.

[Scraperfan]

Its not that old, 1999:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137523/

...cant remember any reference to it being a remake, but its based on a book yeh? Is that what you mean Ip?

[KamikazeTaxi]

As far as I know, only one FILM has been made but it was based on a book. Yeah, the film is 9 years old...some of our teenage posters would have been a part of the early tween set when it came out...

[ryan79]

Lol it was and so was my stalking office to office quote. I wondered if people would recognise it or just think im a loon. :)

Luckily Ryan is as much of a diehard fan as me.

Sad or not I could pick a Fight Club quote anywhere!

[ryan79]

lol..nice Fight Club reference...

Both my lines were Fight Club quotes.

[KamikazeTaxi]

^^
Yeah...I realised that after I had already posted the response...

[Auxodium]

lol maybe we should use these lines on the swan river 'trust'

[Kelli]

Hello, I am new to site, have been reading threads a while, but eventually had to have my say in a rather long way! I am an environmental scientist working in the Perth housing industry.

Firstly, before I burst with indignation, The West Australian encourages the narrow-minded thinking that strangles innovation - its a bit of a cheek for it to pin it on the state environmental bodies, or any number of scapegoats it has in its sights. Piece of trash!

The EPA have not knocked the Belmont project back, they have just decided to formally assess it. This is so incredibly standard for large projects. The WA Turf Club are just being a little bit churlish – they thought by putting a few token environmental bits in the plans it would escape formal assessment. Also, the great wusses have already done the hard yards, they just have to go through the formal process. In going through the EPA formal assessment, it would weed out the genuine issues raised by the Swan River Trust from the narrow minded carry on of a individual (that person is gone anyway - as a result of this debacle, i think). The EPA very rarely knocks back projects - in urban areas, I can’t think of one example. In a development like this they just want to make sure that there are no glaring problems that have not been addressed.

If The West Australian is going to lead witch-hunts for such things as the Esperance lead contamination against the EPA, rather than the mining company that actually did it, what do they expect. If the EPA did not go through process with Belmont, and for example, there were massive fish, frog, bird and vegetation deaths along the river from acid sulphate soil contamination during construction (a not unlikely scenario), it would not be the Belmont management team hunted down, it would be the EPA.

No genuine and intelligent person in the environmental industry (in public service or private practice) would gratuitously knock high-density housing on a public rail line, because like one person said, high density inner city infill is a vasty superior environmental outcome to clearing internationally renowned mega-diverse native vegetation in places like Butler, Eglinton and Two Rocks.

Its not the environmental groups that stifle innovation (or the politicians, the street signs and/or the rules blah blah) and make Perth boring - it is envious, competitive, selfish people across the board – it kills creativity and activity everywhere it is. Its pointless projecting it onto groups when I see it every day in individuals. Isolation must breed it – it is not so prevalent elsewhere.

To end my lengthy grumble on a positive note, Alannah Mactiernan - what is her secret for cutting through the BS? I love that politician. People like that will be our salvation.

[Scrawny]

Hi Kelli. Are you saying that they are not scaling down and resubmitting the original plan?

[Bullswool]

Welcome to the forum Kelli!! Brilliant post, thankyou very much for clearing that up for us. So its not the end of the world, they are just seeing things through to make sure there are no huge environmental stuff ups. I can understand that. Thankyou for clearing it up :)

[Bullswool]

Hi Kelli. Are you saying that they are not scaling down and resubmitting the original plan?

I think thats what was said. It won't be scaled, just making sure that there are no bad affects ont he river due to construction. Very understandable, if there is a real reason for it then I am happy. I think we got a little sad from what the west said before.

[Scrawny]

I don't think it was said actually. You're very trusting of one anonymous poster Bullswool? I'm just asking for clarification from someone who it sounds may have inside info.

[Bullswool]

I'm an optimist! So I will see a shred of hope in anything.

[crave]

To end my lengthy grumble on a positive note, Alannah Mactiernan - what is her secret for cutting through the BS? I love that politician. People like that will be our salvation.

a hot butter knife? :p

ps. great first post. keep us on tha ball... becos we need to rebuild linkin park... as tha usher passes tha basket across tha floor. please give all you can, now we're happy to get tha kind that jingles, but we'd rather tha kind that falls...

[Kelli]

Hi Kelli. Are you saying that they are not scaling down and resubmitting the original plan?
It is purely up to the WA Turf Club wether they submit the original proposal or the amended one. So I have no idea how that will pan out. It wont make much difference to the environmental processes which ever one they go with - the issues will still be similar, i would have thought. Hopefully their consultant will convince them.

I dont know that i am an 'inside informant' - the enviro industry in Perth has 2 degrees of separation and I hear all the gossip!

[Scrawny]

Yeah. "Inside information" sounds a bit dramatic I know but you get the drift. :)

[Matt B]

If formal assessment never knocks people back... then is it not just a process designed to look like the right thing is being done, and keep a heap of consultants paychecks coming in, and forcing the Turf club to jump through some unnecessary hoops, potentially scaring them off and scaling back the project.

I admire your faith in the system Kel, and I say that as a former environmental consultant in the development industry myself.

that said, formal assessment is not a major issue really. But you have to wonder if what they are proposing could possibly make things worse than having reticulated and fertilised turf on the riverside, which is the belmont park at present.

The SRT can, and I say this with good friends there myself on board and at staff level, be a total pain in the ass who think they are the bees knees...

[Citystyle]

Cleaning up the site after the fire? Looks better than the crap that was there before.

Plus there is no more power lines. XD

[Scraperfan]

Michael Kane personal advisor to Allanah told me the original concept is far from dead and the DPI is working on it feverishly to get it through.