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Car Park One at Cottesloe Beach is being torn up and turned into a public plaza, with grass terraces, an event space, and a proper pedestrian and cycling thoroughfare running alongside the beach.

The federal government has committed $10 million through its Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program, with the Town of Cottesloe putting in $5 million of its own. That $15 million covers Stage One of a redevelopment plan that’s been sitting on the shelf since 2018, when Council first adopted the Foreshore Revitalisation Masterplan. Detailed construction drawings were approved back in 2021. The funding has now finally been secured to make it happen.

Credit: City of Cottesloe / Supplied

Stage One of the redevelopment concentrates on the strip of foreshore most visitors are quite familiar with — the part directly opposite the cafés and restaurants on Marine Parade. The main car park will be replaced by terraced seating, a landscaped community space, and an event plaza for events such as Sculpture by the Sea, summer markets, and council-run events. Footpaths along Marine Parade will be widened, and the road layout will be reworked with traffic-calming measures so pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers aren’t competing for the same patch of asphalt.

Universal beach access for people of all abilities is part of the brief, along with new tree planting and active transport upgrades. Mayor Melissa Harkins described the project as ready to go.

“This funding allows us to move forward with a project that has strong community support and has been years in the making,” Mayor Harkins said. “It is shovel-ready and will deliver lasting social, economic and environmental benefits.”

A project years in the making Credit: City of Cottesloe / Supplied

The Foreshore Revitalisation Masterplan was adopted by Council in 2018, with detailed construction drawings approved in 2021. What’s followed since has been the long wait for someone to write a big cheque. The federal contribution, announced yesterday at the foreshore by Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman, closes that gap, at least for Stage One.

“Cottesloe beach holds treasured memories for generations of Australians and for our international visitors,” Gorman said. “We are working with the Council to ensure it is protected, celebrated and enjoyed by future generations.”

“Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth’s most recognisable and loved destinations, attracting visitors from across Australia and around the world,” Mayor Harkins said.

The economic case sits on tourism numbers. The foreshore draws year-round visitors who flow through to cafés, restaurants, and accommodation in the surrounding streets, and the redesigned precinct is meant to make those connections more seamless.

Stage One covers roughly half of the overall project, which is costed at just over $30 million. With the federal piece secured, the Town has turned its attention to the WA State Government for the rest.

“Delivery of Stage One represents 50 per cent of the overall project and the Town looks forward to continuing discussions with the State Government to secure outcomes that may deliver the remainder of the project,” Mayor Harkins added.

Stage Two would extend improvements north toward Eric Street and redesign Car Park Two on Napier Street, including the addition of a mezzanine level.

A construction timeline hasn’t been formally announced. After eight years of plans, drawings, and waiting, Cottesloe’s foreshore is finally moving past the masterplan stage.

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