City of Perth proposes merging McIver and Claisebrook stations, citing conflicts with new apartment towers

Perth’s inner-city rail network could be set for an overhaul, with the City of Perth proposing to axe two long-standing CBD train stations in favour of a single, modern transit hub. City councillors will gather on Tuesday to vote on a bold plan that includes a proposal to merge McIver and Claisebrook stations, with council staff arguing the current infrastructure is “incompatible” with the wave of high-density apartment towers rising across the city’s eastern fringe. According to council documents, the proximity of the two stations is a relic of the past that now hinders urban flow and modern accessibility. “The McIver and Claisebrook train stations are located impractically close to each other, with both stations suffering from physical severance, poor accessibility, and limited integration with their surrounding area,” the council document reads. “Consolidating the train stations presents an opportunity to embed public transport into the neighbourhood by delivering a contemporary, accessible train station.” The long-term vision is for the merge of the train stations to reconnect users to the immediate surroundings. Claisebrook Station is approximately 630 metres from the McIver Station. The City believes this “duplication” of infrastructure is unnecessary and limits integration with Royal Perth Hospital, Wellington Square, Royal Street town centre and the Swan River. “Neither station reflects the design quality of the new Metronet train stations that have site-responsive contemporary designs,” the document reads. But the proposal faces immediate opposition, with a spokesperson for the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia telling The Sunday Times there are no plans to remove McIver or Claisebrook stations, adding the PTA had not been contacted by the City of Perth regarding this proposal. “Both stations provide essential connections to key facilities including Royal Perth Hospital and North Metropolitan TAFE. The redevelopment of Royal Perth Hospital means that McIver Station will be even more important for the community in the future,” the spokesperson said. “A proposal to replace them with a new central station was assessed in 2020 and found to be unfeasible due to the loss of these vital links and the major disruption it would cause to the network.” In November last year, Planning Minister John Carey identified Claisebrook as one of 10 key precincts earmarked for rapid residential growth, alongside Cottesloe, Mosman Park, Swanbourne, Ballajura, Bassendean, Carlisle and Oats Street, Glendalough, Morley, and Redcliffe. The State Government believes these precincts have the capacity for an additional 35,000 homes, with more areas to be declared in the future. However, the power to shape these new neighbourhoods has shifted significantly. New development guidelines and rules for these precincts will not be set by local councils. Instead, the WA Planning Commission will set the guidelines for future housing developments and act as the arbitrator in deciding whether future developments — including high-rise apartment complexes — should go ahead. At the time of the announcement, Mr Carey said the 10 locations were obvious choices for more high-density living. “In selecting these 10 precincts for early intervention, we have also looked at where the private market is likely to step in and deliver medium to high-density (dwellings), or where there is the infrastructure to support additional residents,” he said. “These precincts build on our laser focus on cutting red tape and will help the State make the best use of government-owned land near train stations.” The Cook Government has long lauded train station precincts — including new ones created as part of Metronet — as ideal places for people to live.