Better water use will soon boost sustainability in Perth.

The Bentley Regeneration Project is surging ahead, proponents say, looking to convert a 25 hectare precinct 8km from Perth’s CBD into a seriously green suburb.

The project began with a research workshop by the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities (CRCWSC).

“The workshop used a design process to identify new solutions for precinct-scale water solutions,” said CRCWSC regional director Jamie Ewert.

“With a goal to generate new ideas for water management and new choices for residents seeking greener housing, the discussions included consideration of the technical elements of the water cycle, design of key public spaces and strategies to harness water generated within the site.”

WA’s Housing Authority hosted the two-day workshop in June last year, featuring attendees from the City of Canning, CRC for Low Carbon Living, Department of Water, Water Corporation, as well as other consultants and stakeholders.

As a result of the workshop and ongoing collaboration, a number of leading-edge water solutions are now being explored, Ewert said.

“A key feature of Bentley is the green spine that harvests and conveys stormwater and rainwater through the site. It makes use of the considerable fall across the site and allows stormwater to travel through the site before being infiltrated in a dedicated recharge area,” he said.

“Linked to this is a precinct-scale alternate water network that is progressively upgraded as the development grows.

“This has the dual-benefit of deferring expenditure until it is required, and adaptability if policy, technology or community preferences change.”

The site will also trial new green wall technology to treat rainwater and greywater.

The redevelopment of Bentley will include; public open spaces, revitalised buildings of all kinds, and at least 1,500 new dwellings ranging from public and affordable housing to private housing.

More information is available here.