As part of the City of Perth's Relief and Rebound response to COVID-19, the City of Perth is continuing with the much-anticipated East End Revitalisation project, due to begin works in June.
The East End Revitalisation project is a major streetscape upgrade of Hay Street, Pier Street and Irwin Street in the City's East End.
At Council last night, City of Perth Commissioners approved accelerated construction for the project, awarding to Georgiou Group as the preferred tenderer for the works.
$10million worth of construction will commence in May 2020 and run for a 12-month period.
Chair Commissioner Andrew Hammond said the City was working on accelerated capital works projects such as the East End Revitalisation to help boost the economy and maintain jobs during this unprecedented time.
"We know our community is suffering economically and socially. As one City, we are here to help, now and in the future," Commissioner Hammond said.
"We are going to do our very best to help as much as we can and it is very important the City maintains and, where it can, accelerate construction activities through this very difficult period."
A central aspect of the East End Revitalisation is the significant new public plaza space and the installation of new artwork at the intersection of Hay and Pier Streets.
With alfresco dining, new street trees and attractive street furniture, visitors, residents and workers will be encouraged to dwell, eat and shop in the area.
"Key features of the precinct include reducing speed limits for vehicles to 20km/h, wider footpaths, upgraded lighting and greater opportunity for outdoor dining to encourage people to stay longer and activate the area which will support businesses in their recovery from this crisis."
Construction will also focus on the development of a Pedestrian Priority Zone (PPZ) on Hay Street, extending between the Pier and Irwin Street intersections.
Designed in consultation with Main Roads Western Australia to facilitate the removal of the existing traffic signals at both intersections, the PPZ is expected to change the character of the area.
"The PPZ will significantly contribute to providing more space and amenity for pedestrians and cyclists," Chair Commissioner Hammond said.
The masterplan will also implement parts of the Urban Forest Plan and the Two-Way Streets Program, through the planting of new street trees and the conversion of Hay Street and Irwin Street to two-way traffic conditions.
Construction of the PPZ is due to be finished in December, with all East End construction works expected to be completed by mid-2021. However, the City will continue to provide updates to the community on the projected completion date.
The City is ensuring contractors have COVID-19 safety measures in place while they are performing works.
