FAQs
How is this Project being funded?
The new Skate and Activity Space and Play Space is being funded through State funding allocated to the Mandurah Waterfront Project. The City of Mandurah is contributing capital funding to the upgrade of the surrounds and facilities to support the activity spaces including paths, parking area, lighting and general park infrastructure.
The existing Commercial Lease Areas were identified by the Community as a high priority for upgrade. What is proposed?
Existing Commercial Leases (King’s Carnival and ‘Kayaks for U’) on the Western Foreshore expire 2021. Planning for future mixed-use lease areas and development options for the Western Foreshore will be undertaken to facilitate the development of this area and provide enhanced public and commercial attractions, for example; cultural attractions, leisure amusements and activities, food/drink/retail outlets. The extent and footprint of land-based and over-water development and activities will be determined to facilitate an expressions of interest process for this opportunity. Future foreshore developments will incorporate a high-quality architectural design that takes advantage of the waterfront location, public toilet facilities, public pedestrian access, spaces and view corridors to the water between built form.
Can boat access be provided on Western Foreshore?
The shallow water depths on the Western Foreshore, north of the Bridge are not conducive to providing boat access without dredging. Dredging requires excavating sediments from the seabed to keep waterways navigable. The process has environmental and cultural impacts. Once dredging is required, it is an on-going and costly management process. Further investigation into potential locations and implications of providing boat access and mooring will be explored but boat infrastructure on the western side will not be funded as part of this stage of the project. Upgrade proposals that extend into the water space are subject to further consultation and approvals from stakeholders and State Government agencies.
Are there BBQ and picnic facilities proposed?
Yes, there is a BBQ area proposed with 3 double BBQs (6 plates), seating and a shade shelter. The BBQ area is centrally located adjacent to the play space outside the fenced area to cater for the broader Western Foreshore and Hall Park recreation spaces. A variety of picnic table settings catering for large and small groups are located within and adjacent to the Play Space and Skate Space. The activity areas are also being designed with grassed areas within them, along with the Foreshore and Events Space grassed areas there are plenty of areas for casual picnicking.
What is happening with the existing toilets?
The existing toilets are located in the footprint of the proposed Play Space. They will be demolished and new toilets will be constructed between the Play Space and Skate and Activity Space. The new toilet facilities will include accessible and unisex toilet facilities. Additional public accessible toilets will also be incorporated into the future commercial site redevelopment to the north of the Play Space.
What is happening with the existing Mandurah Volunteer Fire Fighters Training Track?
The Mandurah Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Training Track will be removed in May 2020 to enable the construction of the Western Foreshore Recreation Precinct to progress. Following extensive exploration of alternate sites, in February 2020 Council endorsed Bortolo Reserve as a suitable site for the development of a new Shared Parking and Training Facility. This will provide both new training facilities for the Mandurah Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and overflow parking opportunities for the resident sporting groups when the MVFRS is not using the track. Construction of the proposed facilities is still subject to funding in the 2020/21 financial year and will be confirmed in July 2020. For more information on the proposed Shared Parking and Training Facility click here
The existing foreshore path is subject to inundation during high tides and storm events. Will this be addressed as part of the upgrade?
Yes. The existing path will be removed. The new path will be installed with a greater setback from the waters edge and at a higher level. The soft sand edge to the foreshore will be maintained and the foreshore area managed to protect against inundation and erosion.
What are the proposed changes to parking on the Western Foreshore?
The former existing car park on the Western Foreshore (north of the bridge) was removed post construction of the new bridge. This carpark had 43 bays. Two new parking areas are proposed to service the recreation precinct. The carpark on the south side of the bridge has also been upgraded and capacity increased from 78 bays to 89 bays. Combined with the existing parking areas to the north of the Western Foreshore site near the War Memorial and Kings Carnival, the existing and proposed quantity of formal parking bays equates to over 200 bays. The Hall Park reserve area will still have the capacity to cater for over-flow parking as it does currently. If the existing/proposed parking does not adequately cater for the number of users, there is capacity within the site to provide additional parking should it be determined necessary.
Does the new skate park consider scooter riders and BMX riders?
Yes, the design of the new facility caters for the needs of all wheeled sports user groups at various levels and creates challenging opportunities for everyone. Skaters, Scooters and BMX riders were involved in the engagement process and contributed to the development and review of the design.
Will the new skate and activity space be suitable for beginner skaters and very young children?
Yes, the new facility caters for a wide range of user groups in both age and skill level. The design has three distinct zones and opportunities for beginners that can then transition into more challenging areas whilst minimising the risk of conflict with more advanced user groups.
Will the Skate park have shaded spectator and hang-out areas?
Yes, the provision of shade has been a key priority from the beginning of planning for the new facility. There are two main spectator zones that are shaded by built structures and terraced seating areas with grassed areas around the facility that will have tree planting (with suitable set-backs from concrete skate surface). There will also be a large scale group gathering shelter with tables and chairs located between the Skate Space and Play Space.
Are there any ‘water play’ facilities proposed?
Water park facilities and water play elements have been on the ‘wish list’ of many participants contributing ideas for the Waterfront Project and Western Foreshore Play Space. Whilst these facilities are fun and valued by users, they require a high level of maintenance and management and can have potential health risks. They also use potable water resources. Fresh, clean water is a limited resource and the City of Mandurah is committed to sustainable water management practices. The play space is adjacent to the Western Foreshore beach and enclosed swimming area where people can interact and play with natural estuary water body. The draft concept design for the Western Foreshore Play Space does not include any built ‘water play’ elements.
What about the Eastern Foreshore Playground? Will this be upgraded?
There are plans to replace the existing Eastern Foreshore Playground with a new play space, subject to funding availability. The future upgraded playground will likely be of a similar scale to the current playground which is approximately 1000m2. The proposed Western Foreshore play space is significantly larger with a footprint of approximately 3000m2 including the play equipment, access, grass and picnic areas. No planning or design has been progressed for the new Eastern Foreshore play facilities at this stage.