Murdoch specialised activity centre
The Murdoch Activity Centre is identified as a Specialised Activity Centre in the State Government’s planning strategy for Perth and Peel - Directions 2031 and Beyond.
The location of the St John of God Hospital Murdoch, the new Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch University and Challenger Institute of Technology in the Murdoch Activity Centre presents the opportunity to develop a significant employment centre based around main activities of health, education and research which will assist in diversifying the Western Australian economy.
The Murdoch Specialised Activity Centre Structure Plan Study commenced in early 2011 and is a partnership between the Department, the Western Australian Planning Commission, City of Melville and Murdoch University. The study has also included input from other stakeholders including the City of Cockburn, Department of Transport, Main Roads WA, Challenger Institute of Technology, St John of God Murdoch Hospital, Landcorp and the community. The structure plan is a high level planning framework that will guide decisions about future development in the activity centre.
The final Murdoch Specialised Activity Centre Structure Plan (2014) effectively supersedes the previous Murdoch Activity Centre Structure Plan- Part A (January 2007).
The Part A Structure Plan identified the need to develop design guidelines for the Murdoch Activity Centre Main Street and Mixed Use Precinct to provide for continuity of design and ensure quality outcomes that would support the function of the Activity Centre in line with Directions 2031 principles.
What is a specialised activity centre?
Specialised centres are places that have strong specialised roles based around major institutions or airports within the centre. Although most of the specialised functions of these centres takes place within the institutions or major public facilities located there, many nearby businesses and smaller institutions related to, or supportive of, the main institutions are also important contributors to these centre’s specialised role.
The knowledge and logistical roles performed by these centres are some of the most important and high level in the metropolitan area.
The Murdoch Specialised Activity Centre presents a unique and exciting opportunity to combine specialised employment, residential living and education in one place, while also activating the area so it becomes a distinctive and engaging location for the community.
Murdoch specialised activity centre structure plan
The WAPC endorsed the final Murdoch Activity Centre Structure Plan in October 2013 and was released to the public in March 2014.
The Structure Plan will guide future investigations and decisions regarding statutory planning, infrastructure investment and more detailed local precinct planning.
Community consultation and report on submissions
Throughout the study there were a number of opportunities for the community to be involved.
A community briefing was held on the evening of 17May 2011 at the Bull Creek Community Centre to introduce the project to the community and provide details about the study process.
A community workshop was held on the evening of 7July 2011 at Murdoch College to seek community views and input on the future of the Murdoch Activity Centre.
A community information session was held on the evening of 21November 2012 at the City of Melville Civic Centre where attendees were provided with a briefing on the draft structure plan and given details about how to make comments during the public comment period. The information session was the final phase of a wider community engagement process for the structure plan study.
The WAPC released the draft structure plan on 5 November 2012 for a period of three months, closing 8 February 2013. A total of 54 submissions were received.
