Published on Wednesday, 8 April 2026 at 2:54:08 PM

More than 34,000 people passed through the East Perth Power Station precinct for Perth Festival this year. This was the second year the site has proven its extraordinary potential.

As Mayor of the City of Vincent, I’ve seen first-hand how powerfully this space resonates with people. The crowds, the atmosphere and the enthusiasm we’ve witnessed over these past two years tells us something important: Perth is ready for the East Perth Power Station precinct to be brought to life.  

What’s holding us back is not imagination or demand, it’s basic investment and a pro-active approach to working with other parties also willing to invest, willing to invest not just money, but ideas and creativity.

For years, discussion about the future of the Power Station has been dominated by the significant cost of asbestos remediation inside the heritage building. That work is essential and it will take time and significant funds, from State Government or a visionary philanthropic partner, to happen. But delay in remediating the inside should not be a reason to leave the wider precinct dormant.

There is no reason the surrounding land can’t be activated right now.

The City of Vincent has long advocated for this area to become a vibrant destination. A place for culture, events and everyday use, not just an occasional backdrop. Vincent is ready to do its part and this work commenced in late 2024 when the City was granted a management order over the front of the site adjoining the river. The City is eager to continue to use more of the land around the site and is even prepared to continue to invest in infrastructure and greening to allow the precinct to operate year-round.

In addition to this, there are straightforward, practical improvements that could transform the experience around the Power Station immediately.

As the ferry infrastructure on the river begins to take shape, a new jetty at the front of the site would open the door to ferry access for major events, just as Hobart has done successfully with MONA.

Windan Bridge could be easily improved with murals and better lighting, creating a more welcoming connection to the city. When events are held at Optus Stadium, hundreds if not thousands of people use this bridge to get to and from the East Perth train station and broader precinct, but the drab experience of traversing Windan Bridge is in stark contrast to the magnificent Matagarup Bridge. You would never know they are part of the same precinct. 

These two ideas alone are not particularly radical; they are sensible steps that unlock access and visibility.

But the biggest barrier continues to be a lack of safe pedestrian connectivity.

Each time there is an event at the Power Station, or at Optus Stadium, hundreds of people attempt to cross East Parade with no safe route. This is a long-standing issue, with the State Government promising $35 million to build a new pedestrian footbridge back in 2022, money which has subsequently been withdrawn. The lack of safe pedestrian crossing is holding back the precinct’s potential. The East Perth train station was designed with an overpass in mind, it just never eventuated.

That’s one of the many reasons the City of Vincent unanimously supported the Western Australian Planning Commission’s new planning approach for the Claisebrook train station precinct. The Power Station area is likely to fall within this catchment, and the opportunities for redevelopment and activation are significant if we move decisively.

Next year will mark the third consecutive year Perth Festival is held at the Power Station and I expect it to be bigger yet again. The arts community can clearly see what is possible at this site and their continued commitment should give decision makers confidence.

But festivals alone won’t unlock the precinct’s future. Additional investment from the State Government is essential and there is also an opportunity for philanthropic leadership and commercial operators to play a role in realising a vision that benefits the whole city.

The appetite to do something is there. The ideas are there. The artists and the promoters are there. The City of Vincent is ready to work constructively with all partners to make it happen.

What we need now is for decision makers to let those of us who want to make this happen do exactly that.

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