A PEDESTRIAN bridge linking South Perth with the Perth foreshore could transform the suburb into an “integrated inner city borough”, says a young urban think-tank.
FuturePerth recently launched its project called Why Not?, suggesting 33 ideas to improve Perth, and chairman Sean Morrison believes ambitious proposals could propel South Perth into an inner city area akin to Melbourne’s Southbank.
“Southbank is obviously a lot closer to its respective central business district than South Perth; however, Southbank is attracting massive residential towers and I think this is something South Perth should aspire to,” he said.
“Compared to other inner city areas, South Perth is comparatively more suburban but with less activity, including places to eat and drink.”
A pedestrian bridge possibly linking Mends Street with Perth would create a “massive market” to South Perth, according to Mr Morrison.
“The idea to provide a more direct link would maximise the accessibility of future residents, provide an experience in Perth that I don’t think exists anywhere else in the world – and it creates a new landmark,” he said.
“The bridge would improve access to jobs and services in the city, and even without the bridge, increased development in South Perth makes common sense given its location.
“The area could be a truly integrated inner city borough.”
Mr Morrison said the group also supported a proposed South Perth train station.
South Perth Mayor James Best said the ideas had “merit” but it was premature to speculate on the pedestrian bridge proposal.
Mr Best said the City’s proposed serpent bridge from Kings Park to South Perth as part of the Old Mill redevelopment was similar to FuturePerth’s concept.
“The structure is a suspension bridge in the form of an ‘S’ shape, depicting the river serpent, and the concepts appear similar in nature but in a different location,” he said.
But South Perth MLA John McGrath believes a pedestrian bridge is not required.
“The Mends Street precinct is already well served by the ferry service, which I would like extended to Coode Street,” he said.
“I think it would detract from the beauty of the river if we put another bridge across it.”