Faulkner Civic Precinct Ornamental Lakes Renewal

The ornamental lakes infrastructure is due for renewal, so we're using the opportunity to enhance the lakes and surrounding area into a vibrant, nature-focused space for the community.

Project background:

The Ornamental Lakes (Lakes) were constructed in 1970 to serve as a compensation drainage basin for the Water Corporation's South Belmont Main Drain and provide a feature in Faulkner Park for the community to enjoy.

While the existing lake infrastructure has served its purpose well for the past 50 years, it has deteriorated over time and requires renewal in order to meet its current and future functional requirements.

Through this renewal process, we explored different design approaches that would meet the lake's functional requirements while also enhancing the amenities and enjoyment of the area for the community.

This included a focus on environmentally friendly design, pedestrian connectivity, social cohesions and active wellness.

Colour exterior slide of the ornamental lake at Faulkner Park under construction. The photo was taken looking west with the Elizabeth Street Recreation Centre in the background.

Renewal project area and design

We're applying a water sensitive urban design approach to the infrastructure renewal works. This approach replicates natural hydrology and vegetation zones to transform the ornamental lakes into an eco-friendly wetland and living stream.

This environmentally friendly design will help improve water quality, increase habitat for local wildlife, reduce water useage, and provide ecological learning opportunities for the community.

The design also includes new public amenities and enhancements so the community can actively engage with the area. This includes timber decking, new seating and shelters, lighting upgrades, and an extensive pathway network guided by accessibility and connectivity.

Existing infrastructure, including the war memorial, gazebo and 'Six Seasons' sculptures around the project site have been integrated into the design and will be protected while works are underway.

Site map

Please note, the locations identified on the map are approximate. For exact locations, please refer to the design documentation.

For information on works and traffic management, please refer to the Renewal works information page.

View the landscape design documentation

Project stages

Timeline item 1 - complete

Feasibility and Options Analysis

2022/2023
The City has undertaken a series of analysis of existing physical condition and commissioned consultancies to provide technical studies to identify issues and opportunities; all of which has informed the feasibility process.
Following the investigative phase, concept scenarios were developed to generate discussion on the ideas, findings, and recommendations. Investigative information and concepts were utilised to develop the project’s redevelopment business case covering project delivery criteria including cost, timing, stakeholder management, funding source, and advocacy for funding contributions.
At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 28 March 2023, Council endorsed the recommended 'Water Conservation Approach' option for the project.
Timeline item 2 - complete

Business Case and Council Approval

June 2023
Following Council endorsement of the design approach, the City prepared documentation and issued a tender for consultancy services to progress design and documentation.
At the 27 June 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting, the Business Case was supported by Council, allowing the procurement of consultancy services and commencement of design work in the new financial year.
Timeline item 3 - complete

Concept Development and Community Feedback

2023/2024
Concept development begins and is guided by the water conservation approach endorsed by Council.
To help inform this stage and future concept designs, the City invited the community to contribute to a public survey gauging the current use and future needs of the community.
Timeline item 4 - complete

15% Design Development Review

2024
Community and stakeholder feedback was collated and development of the design elements and documentation with consultants begun.
Council reviewed the project when 15% of the design documentation was completed.
Timeline item 5 - complete

Detailed Design Development and Documentation

2024
The project team has proceeded to detailed design development and documentation for the project. Upon completion, the final design package and key elements will be made available for the community to engage with.
The detailed design reached the 85% completion milestone in March 2024.
During this stage, the City will also continue to advocate to key partners, such as the State Government, to identify opportunities for co-contribution of funding to the project.
Timeline item 6 - complete

Council approval

September 2024
Once the final detailed design and documentation package is complete and full funding is finalised, the City will procure a construction contractor.
At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 24 September 2024, Council supported the Business Case allowing the procurement of construction services to commence preparation of on-site works.
Timeline item 7 - active

Construction

Monday 28 October 2024 to June 2025
Works will commence on site in October 2024 and are anticipated to continue until June 2025.
During this period, the area will be fenced with traffic management in place.
For further information on the renewal works, traffic management and pedestrian access, please visit the renewal works information page.

Constructed in 1970, the Ornamental Lakes were built to serve as a compensation drainage basin for the Water Corporation's South Belmont Main Drain, as well as provide an amenity feature in Faulkner Park.

Remedial works to the stone pitching and bridge were undertaken in 2020 to address specific areas of deterioration.

While the existing Lake infrastructure has served its purpose well for the past 50 years, it has deteriorated over time and requires renewal in order to meet its current and future functional requirements.

Between August and November 2023, we invited key stakeholders, user groups and the wider community to share their thoughts and usage of the are to guide the detailed design.

The community feedback survey identified the key outcomes below:

Faulker Park is popular park among nearby residents
It is used during the week and on weekends to attend events
Regular visitors often attend weekly
It is most commonly used for sitting and relaxing, and attending events

The most important elements identified through the survey were increased seating and shelter opportunities. This was subsequently included in the design.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 28 March 2023, Council endorsed the recommended 'Water Conservation Approach' option for the renewal project.

This design approach maintains the lakes primary purpose as a stormwater asset, while re-creating the natural hydrology and water features of a natural waterway.

By using existing water pathways, native planting and vegetation zones, the site is transformed from an ornamental feature into a natural wetland and living stream.

The benefits:

Reduced water useage and responsible water management
Increased water quality
Improved habitat for local wildlife
Environmentally focused
More natural and nature-focused aesthetic
Lower implementation cost, allowing additional funds for parkland amenities

The island is being restored to support native wildlife and improve biodiversity.

Invasive weeds have been removed, and replanting with local native species will provide better habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Ongoing maintenance will ensure the island remains a healthy and sustainable environment.

Project news and updates

Get in touch

For further information about the project, please contact our City Projects team below:

Contact Information
Name	City Projects Team
Phone	(08) 9477 7222
Email	belmont@belmont.wa.gov.au

Renewal works information

Information on site works for surrounding residents and businesses.

View page

Contact Information
Phone	(08) 9477 7222
Email	belmont@belmont.wa.gov.au
In writing	215 Wright Street, Cloverdale WA 6105

(08) 9477 7222

belmont@belmont.wa.gov.au

215 Wright Street,
Cloverdale WA 6105

Belmont Connect

Faulkner Civic Precinct Ornamental Lakes Renewal