Minister announces sale of prime city site above new train station

28/9/05
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today launched the tender process for the sale and redevelopment of the 140 William Street site, above the new William Street underground railway station.
Ms MacTiernan said the New MetroRail Project's fast, direct route into the city had opened up a massive redevelopment opportunity in the heart of the city.
"Bounded by Forrest Place and Murray Street Mall, with frontages onto three major City streets, 140 William Street will become one of the most prized inner city development locations in Australia," she said.
"This provides a remarkable opportunity to establish a mixed-use development on one of the most significant sites to be offered in the fastest growing inner-city local government area of any Australian capital city.
"Located above one of the Southern Suburbs Railway's busiest railway stations, 140 William Street is the jewel in the crown of our central business district revitalisation plan.
"We are looking for some architectural inspiration that will weave the existing heritage buildings in with new, modern structures - to create something of beauty that can be enjoyed by the whole community.
"This plan incorporates the Northbridge Link project, a new performing arts centre and the river foreshore study.
"The 140 William Street precinct has been in a state of decline and decay for over a decade - its rejuvenation will be yet another spin-off of the New MetroRail Project, bringing more jobs and opportunities for our community.
"We expect a world-class development to be located above our world-class rail project."
Expressions of interest to develop the site will be released this week.
The 140 William Street site is being project managed by LandCorp, in conjunction with the Western Australian Planning Commission.
The Minister said that as an inducement, the State Government would commit to leasing a proportion of the new development for Government office space.
"The State Government will undertake a pre-commitment to lease 22,000m2 of office accommodation within the new development for a 15-year period," Ms MacTiernan said.
"We are also committed to making this development a benchmark in sustainability that incorporates energy and water efficiency principles.
"The development potential for this site will be enhanced with the option to purchase and leaseback Albert Facey House - located on the corner of Forrest Place and Wellington Street."
The development is expected to be completed by 2009.
The EOI process will be followed by a shortlisting of likely developers, with an issue of a Request for Proposal by the end of this year.
Details of the Expressions of Interest are available from the LandCorp's website: http://www.landcorp.com.au with submissions due October 31.
Minister's office: 9213 6400