The rail line in Armadale has been dramatically rising from its terrestrial footings to its new 10-metre-high perch above the CBD.
As its elevation becomes more concrete, so too does the prime real estate it’s vacating at ground level.
What’s clear is that Armadale has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconfigure a sizeable chunk of its civic heart, and perhaps reinvent itself as a ‘regional destination’.
The City of Armadale has been hatching a loose plan for this new ‘Central Park’, with the primary aim of creating a “dynamic, multi-use space that bridges the new Armadale train station and the city centre”.
And last week the city quietly launched a survey to ask residents what legacy they would like to see created for future generations.
“More than eight hectares will become accessible to the public underneath and around the viaduct, and we would like to know what our community would like to see in the space,” Mayor Ruth Butterfield said.
“The new space needs to be beautified and activated and we envisage elements such as a major nature-play and exploration playground, and an active zone for fitness, ball sports, parkour and skating.
“There will be landscaping which includes grass, garden beds, shade trees and seating, spaces for food trucks and city events, and perhaps even a dog park.
“We need residents to tell us what elements would provide the greatest benefit to the community.”
The community is being asked to “envision a bustling hub of activity that thrives day and night”, with an “influx of visitors” that will help entice new business into the CBD.
There is a hope that with more foot traffic through the area – day and night – it would deter some of the behaviour that has kept people away from the CBD for so long.
“The new park will raise the profile of the area, increase visitors and generally make the surrounding area a welcoming and inviting place for our growing community,” Mayor Butterfield said.
With the Armadale line upgrade well over the halfway point of its 18-month project timeline, and the state and federal elections (and the funding promises that come with them) looming, speed is of the essence when choosing the trajectory of this space.
“Whilst the city has committed to partially fund this project, we are crucially reliant on the support and funding from state and federal governments to make this transformative park a reality,” Mayor Butterfield said.
You can have your say by visiting https://engage.armadale.wa.gov.au/central-park
Community consultation closes 5pm, Friday November 8.
