One of Western Australia's biggest urban infill developments, Bentley 360, marked a new milestone today when Housing Minister Peter Tinley and Victoria Park MLA Ben Wyatt formally opened the project's Northern Parklands.
The 12-hectare parklands will provide a temporary mix of recreational areas for the community over the coming decade while the broader housing scope of Bentley 360 is delivered.
Designed in close consultation with local schoolchildren, the parklands pays respect to Bentley's cultural history.
About 32.5 million kilograms of steel, concrete, brick, subgrade and soil - representing 98 per cent of the debris resulting from the towers' demolition - was recycled and repurposed. Some of the material was used by contractors Landscape Elements to deliver the Northern Parklands.
This included innovative upcycling of hard items for shade structures, seating and basketball hoops, through to the milling of ill-health trees into benches and the re-use of footpath slabs and other heavy infrastructure for kerbing, footpaths and bike track.
The recreation area, designed to maximise opportunities for people with disability, also includes nature-based play equipment, a running track, public art, community amenities, an outdoor classroom and specialised lighting.
The facilities will remain in place while the broader Bentley 360 development is delivered over the coming 10 to 15 years.
Bentley 360 is expected to generate and support about 2,220 jobs and inject more than
$1 billion into WA's economy while building at least 1,500 homes and additional infrastructure.
As stated by Housing Minister Peter Tinley:
"The Northern Parklands marks the second major milestone for the Bentley 360 project, following the demolition of Brownlie Towers in June.
"The McGowan Government has a strong vision for quality urban infill development that meets the current and future needs of Western Australians.
"The Bentley 360 project will deliver at least 1,500 new homes over a 15 to 20-year timeframe, and is expected to create and support more than 2,200 jobs across the course of development and inject an estimated $1.08 billion into WA's economy.
"This high-profile project provides an excellent opportunity to create and support jobs, while delivering a diverse mix of new homes in a revitalised and connected community."
As stated by Victoria Park MLA Ben Wyatt:
"As the local member, I couldn't be more pleased to see the opening of the Northern Parklands. This is the start of a bright future for Bentley residents.
"The landscaping plans were developed with the help of students and teachers from Bentley Primary School and Santa Clara Primary School to ensure the community's wishes were reflected in the design.
"The Northern Parklands will provide new opportunities for residents to enjoy their surrounds while promoting community connectedness between existing and future residents."
As stated by South Metropolitan Region MLC Kate Doust:
"Sustainability was a key consideration in delivering the Northern Parklands.
"The planting of waterwise and native plants, minimal use of turf to reduce water consumption and retention of all healthy trees for future integration reflect the broad desire to protect and support the environment.
"The McGowan Government has a strong focus on urban development that meets growing demand for diverse infill housing.
"By seeking out and using the best practices in urban development, Bentley 360 will set a new standard in sustainable and affordable housing that will breathe new life into Bentley and create a community where people feel they belong."
