Canning Bridge Activity Centre

The CBACP is a guide for the development of the centre which includes the Canning Bridge Station and comprises land within both the City of Melville and the City of South Perth. Explore everything that's happening at our Canning Bridge Activity Centre. 

Canning Bridge Precinct Vision Statement

The Canning Bridge area will evolve to become a unique, vibrant, creative community centred on the integrated transport node of the Canning Bridge station. The area will be recognised by its unique location, its integrated mix of office, retail, residential, recreational and cultural uses that create areas of excitement, the promotion of its local heritage and as a pedestrian friendly enclave that integrates with the regional transport networks while enhancing the natural attractions of the Swan and Canning Rivers.

Background

In 2006, the City of Melville, in partnership with the Western Australian Planning Commission and the City of South Perth, commenced a major study of the precinct surrounding the soon to be opened Canning Bridge Station. The precinct area extends approximately an 800 metre radius around the station, representing a ten-minute walk or a two-minute cycling distance.

The Canning Bridge rail station precinct study was carried out between 2007 and 2010 in response to successive State Government strategies which aim at providing for population growth up to 2031 and beyond. These strategies promote ‘activity centres’, such as Canning Bridge, containing a range of land uses, increased residential densities and employment opportunities adjacent to major public transport routes, services and amenities. This work culminated in the Canning Bridge Precinct Vision being endorsed by the Western Australian Planning Commission in 2011.

Following endorsement of the Vision, a working group was established to oversee the production of the Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan. The working group comprised senior technical officers from the WA Departments of Planning and Transport, Main Roads WA, Public Transport Authority, and Cities of Melville and South Perth. The strategies and studies that informed the development of the CBACP can be found uat the bottom of the page.

Considerable engagement with the community was undertaken in preparing the Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan including workshops with residents, land owners and other stakeholders, public information sessions, community surveys and opportunities for public submissions.

The Plan was endorsed by the City of Melville Council on the 17 March 2015 and subsequently approved by the Western Australia Planning Commission in April 2016.

Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan Review Engagement

Following a period of community engagement, the draft Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan was submitted to the WA Planning Commission in May 2023 with an outcome expected later this year.

Canning Bridge Area Disruptions 

As we roll out our vision there will be some road disruptions in the Canning Bridge area due to Water Corporation wastewater infrastructure upgrades, and other large projects. For more information visit the Canning Bridge Area Disruptions page. 

Development Progress

The State Government has allocated the City of Melville a target of providing for an additional 10,830 dwellings by 2031 on top of the 40,110 dwellings in existence in 2011. 

As detailed in the City’s Local Planning Strategy, a significant portion of this growth has been designated within the Canning Bridge precinct where “a minimum of 2,500 new dwellings to 2031 is proposed as the area transforms to an inner urban environment”. 

Development activity has increased within the precinct following the Council’s adoption of the Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan in 2015.

The following map includes information about the major developments approved in Melville under the Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan since 2015. By clicking on any of the highlighted lots you can find out additional information about the development approved on that lot.

Approved Developments (Map)

For the best experience, we recommend you use a computer or tablet in landscape format.

Canning Bridge Duck and Dive Proposal Main Roads WA 

Main Roads WA (MRWA) has proposed several major duck and dive road constructions across Perth, including one along a four kilometre stretch of Canning Highway, between Riseley Street and Canning Bridge including the Canning Bridge Activity Centre and surrounds. 

Impact Studies

To better understand any adverse impacts on the community, we commissioned two studies to consider both socio-economic, and movement and place impacts.  

• Canning Highway Duck and Dive Proposal - Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Final Report (May 2023) 
• Canning Highway Duck and Dive Proposal – Movement and Place Impacts on Canning Bridge Precinct (May 2023) 

The reports indicate the duck and dive construction will have significant impacts for our local communities and businesses by restricting movement, reducing connectivity, damaging livelihoods and environment, reducing investment and increasing pollution. The impacts will be severe during both the construction, and operation phases of the duck and dive. 

Planning Institute of Australia

In August 2023,  a Position Statement was released by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)that it does not support the planning and delivery of duck and dive road projects due to the wide-reaching impacts of these projects on community, economy, environment and place.

The City  recognises that Canning Highway is a major regional transport corridor and has been engaging with Main Roads WA to advocate for investigating alternative options to that lessen the impact on our local residents and businesses,  are consistent with activity centre and community amenity outcomes, whilst also accommodating population growth and benefits for all users going forward. 

At Canning Bridge – Community Development and Place Activation Plan

Throughout 2019 and 2020, we partnered with urban strategy firm Element to deliver the At Canning Bridge social research and place planning project. Our aim was to gain a deeper understanding of the precinct, and the priorities and future aspirations of the local community, businesses, visitors and strategic stakeholders.  

Key themes from the engagement included:

• More access to facilities, programming and infrastructure to enhance outdoor recreation.
• Better accessibility and movement across and around Canning Highway.
• A broader range of hospitality offerings that would bring people together and cater for a wider age group.
• Improved integration of activities and programming to accommodate all ages.
• Access to information and engagement opportunities in planning decisions.

Completed:

• Activation of the Canning Bridge Community Space - click here more information Canning Bridge Community Space
• Activation of the Cirque Business Centre- click here for more information Cirque Business Centre  

Next steps:

• Ogilvie Road Streetscape Upgrades - due for completion end of 2024
• 13 The Esplanade Public Open Space - for more information click here  
• More projects coming soon, watch this space.

To find out more visit our Canning Bridge Place page.

Canning Bridge Place Grants

Our Canning Bridge Place Grants program provides grants of up to $30,000 for events, activities and improvements in the Canning Bridge Activity Centre precinct that help activate and create a safer and more vibrant area for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. 

Find out more

FAQs

Please see below for Frequently Asked Questions. Click the question to reveal the answer.

For More Information

For more information on the Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan, please contact the City’s Strategic Urban Planning Team on 1300 635 845.