Kwinana looks forward to alfresco dining

by Rachael Hughes

April 22, 2008

KWINANA is set to come alive with the development of a new alfresco-style main street as part of an $11.5 billion investment to help revamp the southern industrial town.

Chisham Avenue will be redesigned as the main street, where residents will be able to enjoy a new licensed restaurant, alfresco area and landscaped walkways.

In a release, Kwinana mayor Carol Adams expressed her support for the development saying the town is ready for change.

“...We are ready for the next chapter of change in Kwinana,” she spruiked. “It’s time for Kwinana’s day in the sun and we’re looking forward to a bright future.”

Running parallel to the soon to be renovated local shopping centre, Chisham Avenue will become the new focal point of the town.

“A vibrant community needs a strong centre, a focal point for its people and a place that gives the community a heart,” Mayor Adams said.

Although the new main street has been designed to secure a positive future for the town, some local residents have voiced concern.

Ron Perkins, a long-term Kwinana resident is concerned about local trouble makers.

“In the past, Kwinana was seen as a poor socio-economic area which had its fair share of trouble, so I can’t help the old thinking hanging on,” Mr Perkins said. “I can’t help but think that the street will just become a new place for the ratbags of Kwinana to hang out.”

Mr Perkins hopes his fears don’t eventuate, and that redesigning the avenue will indeed improve the town’s future.