BUNBURY architect Brian Delfs has spoken out in support of the proposed waterfront project as being critical to the future growth of the city and its next generations.
Mr Delfs said LandCorp’s concept for the precinct aligned with original project plans created in 2003 to stimulate public discussions about City Vision.
He said the City Vision document released last year clearly called for ways to accommodate a booming population in an ecologically sustainable manner.
“One way of reducing our footprint is by increasing the density of housing and the ideal location is around the waterfront,” he said.
“There is limited land for development remaining in Bunbury to accommodate our growing population, and we need some density and height,” Mr Delfs stated.
The principal of design practice Hassell, Mr Delfs has been involved with the harbour redevelopment since 1989.
Mr Delfs said there were also misconceptions about the amount of public open space within the City of Bunbury.
“The City is blessed in that 20 to 25 per cent of its land holdings are allocated to public open space and hence the development proposed for the waterfront will only reduce this by a fraction,” he said.
Mr Delfs said the decision Bunbury council would make in relation to the waterfront would be the most important in the past 50 years.
“Hence, the council needs to consider the waterfront in the context of the next 50 years,” he said.
“I urge everyone who supports this project to confirm their support to the Bunbury council before submissions close on August 5.”