This case study relates to Action 35 in the Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise action plan 3 delivered by METRONET and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
The Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project is Perth’s first major elevated rail project, designed to improve public transport safety, create new and versatile public space for the community, reduce traffic congestion, improve biodiversity and mitigate urban heat island impacts.
Six level crossings are being removed along the Armadale Line by raising the rail over the road at Mint/Archer Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, Hamilton Street, Wharf Street and William Street to allow vehicles to cross the rail line without stopping for passing trains. New, modern elevated stations will be built at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park and Cannington stations.
Elevating the rail structure will allow for 6 hectares of land previously occupied by rail lines to be transformed into flexible community spaces. Community consultation was important in designing these public spaces, allowing stakeholders to shape the look, feel and function of their neighbourhood open spaces. Five key themes emerged from the consultation, specifying that the community has a strong desire for public spaces that support connectivity through safety, activation, movement and the natural environment.
As such, the parkland area along the rail corridor is being designed to:
- provide welcoming and culturally sensitive spaces where people can come together
- create safe spaces with good lighting and well-designed activity zones
- enable a diverse range of easily accessible activities and events
- accommodate both commuter and recreational cyclists while also providing convenient pedestrian links
- promote health and wellbeing with opportunities to connect with nature and green spaces by adding more trees and shade.
These priorities have informed the addition of specific design elements including:
- a signalised pedestrian crossing opposite Sevenoaks Senior College to allow more direct access to Cannington Station and bus interchange
- opportunity for events to be held adjacent to the Harold Hawthorn Community Centre with construction of a stage, seating walls and furniture
- youth plazas near the South Metropolitan TAFE and Cannington Leisureplex
- a nature playground close to Oats Street Station and play area south of the Queens Park Station Plaza for preschool children
- pedestrian links to Queens Park Soccer Stadium
- an interpretive area that acknowledges the historic and cultural significance of local Aboriginal people
- parkland trails between Carlisle and Oats Street stations.
The project’s Tree Retention Strategy set targets aiming to double the number of trees while retaining as many existing trees as possible during works to improve urban heat island impacts. The strategy promotes local, native flora species to support biodiversity, provide habitat for native fauna and minimise water use.
The project will be completed mid-2025, delivering not only upgraded transport infrastructure but a greener, more connected urban environment for all to enjoy.
