Perth City Link Project – Railway Technology

The Perth City Link Project represents a significant undertaking in urban rail infrastructure development. Its primary goal is to alleviate the longstanding division of Perth’s Central Business District (CBD) caused by the elevated Fremantle railway line, a historical artery dating back to 1881. This project aims to reconnect the city by integrating the Fremantle line with a new underground Wellington Street bus station in the Northbridge district, fostering seamless multimodal transport. Beyond the immediate transport improvements, the project envisions a broader revitalization of the area, stimulating economic growth through the creation of significant commercial and residential space. This article will delve into the project’s engineering challenges, its phased implementation, the key stakeholders involved, and its projected socio-economic impact, ultimately assessing its success in achieving its ambitious targets for urban regeneration and improved public transport connectivity.

Rail Line Integration and Underground Infrastructure

The core of the Perth City Link Project involves lowering the Fremantle line’s elevation between William Street and Lake/King Street, creating an underground alignment that intersects with the new Wellington Street bus station. This intricate undertaking necessitated extensive geotechnical investigation (performed by Geotechnical Engineering Services) to ensure tunnel stability and minimize disruption to existing infrastructure. The project also included significant modifications to Perth Railway Station, with the realignment of Platform 5 and the construction of a new Platform 10, alongside the demolition of Platforms 6 and 8. A new pedestrian underpass replaced the existing footbridge and Horseshoe Bridge, providing improved accessibility between platforms and the underground station. The meticulous work on track realignment and the construction of the new Perth station platforms were undertaken by John Holland and Gutteridge Haskins & Davey Group, a preferred alliance partner selected for their expertise in complex railway projects. The challenges included managing the ongoing operation of the existing railway system while undertaking these extensive modifications. Minimising service disruptions during construction was a crucial aspect of the project management.

Bus Station and Urban Redevelopment

The construction of the underground Wellington Street bus station is another pivotal element of the project, designed to enhance public transport accessibility and free up valuable surface land for urban development. This created a 14-hectare area suitable for the construction of approximately 1650 new apartments and commercial establishments within the Northbridge entertainment precinct. This aspect of the project reflects a broader trend in urban planning, focusing on integrating public transport with mixed-use developments to stimulate urban density and economic activity.

Demolition and Urban Landscaping

The Perth City Link Project involved the demolition of the former Perth Entertainment Centre, a significant undertaking managed by Seven Group Holdings. This cleared the way for the creation of green spaces, including terrace gardens, landscaped areas, and cycle paths, improving the overall aesthetic appeal and amenity of the area. This transformation exemplifies the project’s commitment to not only improving transportation but also enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors. The careful planning and execution of the demolition phase, considering the proximity to other active infrastructure and the timing around the opening of the Perth Arena, underscore the project’s complex logistical management.

Project Management and Collaboration

The Perth City Link Project involved a complex network of stakeholders, demonstrating the importance of collaborative project management. The initial concept, known as “HUB,” originated with the Public Transport Authority (PTA). This project was later combined with “The Link Project” from the East Perth Redevelopment Authority (EPRA) forming “Perth City Link”. The master plan was a collaborative effort involving a consortium of firms, including Taylor Burrell Barnettin, Jones Coulter Young, Plan E, Aecom, Urbanizma, Colliers, Taktics 4, and Geotechnical Engineering Services, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach vital to the successful execution of such a large-scale undertaking. The project’s success relied heavily on the effective coordination and integration of the contributions from these diverse groups.

Conclusions

The Perth City Link Project represents a notable achievement in urban rail infrastructure and city regeneration. It successfully addressed a long-standing urban planning challenge—the division of the CBD by an elevated railway line—by creating a modern, integrated transport hub and unlocking significant development potential. The project’s multi-phased approach, involving the careful integration of rail infrastructure upgrades, bus station construction, and urban redevelopment, showcases a sophisticated understanding of urban planning principles. The successful collaboration between government agencies, engineering firms, and private sector investors highlights the value of a coordinated approach to large-scale infrastructure projects. The project’s positive impact extends beyond the immediate transport improvements, fostering significant economic activity, creating new residential and commercial spaces, and enhancing the overall liveability of the city. While challenges undoubtedly arose during the project’s implementation, its ultimate success in achieving its core objectives demonstrates a model for future urban rail projects seeking to integrate transport infrastructure with broader urban regeneration goals. The estimated AU$3 billion in private investment directly stimulated by the project further underscores its long-term economic benefits. The seamless integration of the Fremantle rail line with the new underground Wellington Street bus station has significantly improved the efficiency and connectivity of Perth’s public transport network. The creation of 14 hectares of developable land has led to substantial urban renewal, resulting in increased housing and commercial opportunities.

Company Information:

• Public Transport Authority (PTA): The Western Australian government agency responsible for public transport planning and operation.
• East Perth Redevelopment Authority (EPRA): A former Western Australian government agency responsible for urban redevelopment in East Perth.
• Geotechnical Engineering Services: A firm providing geotechnical engineering and consulting services.
• Seven Group Holdings: A diversified industrial company that undertook demolition work on the Perth Entertainment Centre.
• John Holland: A major Australian construction company involved in the rail infrastructure works.
• Gutteridge Haskins & Davey Group: An engineering consulting firm that collaborated with John Holland.
• Taylor Burrell Barnettin: A team of consultants including Jones Coulter Young (architecture and urban design), Plan E (landscape architecture), Aecom (environmental consulting and civil and transport engineering), Urbanizma (urban design), Colliers and Taktics 4 (commercial consulting) involved in the project master planning.