Elizabeth Quay is a major Western Australian development project that opened on 29 January 2016 in the Perth central business district. Located on the north shore of Perth Water and centred on the landmark Swan Bells, it is a mixed-use development. It is named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.
The project includes construction of an artificial inlet on what was previously the Esplanade Reserve, and modifications to the surrounding environs including Barrack Square. The project plan shows nine building sites.
Completed facilities are projected to include 1,700 residential apartments, 150,000 square metres of office space and 39,000 square metres of retail space. Construction of the inlet and associated infrastructure is expected to be complete in November 2015. Construction of the associated buildings has been estimated to be complete by 2018, with the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority's marketing and sales being undertaken between 2014 and 2022.[citation needed] On 4 December 2015, the MRA announced that Elizabeth Quay will open on 29 January 2016, ahead of the Perth International Arts Festival (which is being moved to the quay) and Fringe World. A cable car to Kings Park has also been allowed for in the plans, although this would not be constructed in the initial phase and is subject to approval from the state government.
Planning Minister John Day and Premier Colin Barnett turned the first sod at the Esplanade Reserve on 26 April 2012.
The Quay was officially opened on 29 January 2016, by Barnett, Day and the Perth Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi.
