Background

We're keen to update you about redevelopment plans for the Wetlands Precinct at the northern end of Bibra Lake in Hope Road.

The precinct has been home to the Wetlands Centre, Native ARC and the Bibra Lakes Scouts, whose representatives have been working with the City of Cockburn over the past 18 months to refine the redevelopment plan.

We asked the local community how they use the area, how they would like to use it in the future, and how they would like to see the communal open space around the Precinct evolve. See the community feedback here.

There is huge potential for the area to become a major drawcard for the entire south metropolitan region. It is already an environmental and educational hub for all ages, and there is no reason it can’t be a place for anyone to partake in an activity, take a class, or just hang out.

The redevelopment of the precinct is a priority project for the City to upgrade a key community and environmental asset. A Wetlands Precinct Place Visioning Concept Plan was developed in 2017 by UDLA, with input from the site tenants. A steering committee was formed on completion of this concept plan consisting of two members from each of three groups. Construction is due to be completed in 2021.

What is Planned for the Precinct?

The scope, as outlined in the Wetlands Precinct Place Visioning Concept Plan, is to:
• Demolish and rebuild the main Native ARC building, with opportunities to re-use other elements of the site and materials in construction;
• Renovate and extend The Wetlands Centre to include an education room, dedicated scouts room, educational artificial wetlands and state of the art community nursery;
• Relocate the Scouts shed;
• Provide more parking and improved traffic and public access to and across the site;
• Create interconnected landscaped walkways and outdoor classrooms to support multiple uses and events;
• Ensure Ecological Sustainable Design features are included across all aspects of the project.