Innovative upgrade transforms Willcock Street

The City of Canning has breathed new life into Willcock Street, transforming it from a simple thoroughfare into a vibrant, community-friendly space.

With a construction value of $1.4 million, the project was made possible through funding from the Western Australian Bicycle Network Grant and the City of Canning.

Stretching between Ferndale Crescent and Greenfield Street Bridge, this project was meticulously designed, managed, and largely executed by the City of Canning itself.

This wasn't just about laying down new pavement, it was about reimagining the street to meet multiple strategic goals: integrated transport, urban greening, sustainability, and road safety.

Key improvements include a top-notch off-road cycling path, the preservation and addition of mature trees, enhanced road safety through modified slow points, and the renewal of road pavement and drainage systems.

These changes represent a commitment to a greener, safer, and more connected community. In line with the City’s Sustainability Policy, the project introduced several innovative practices:

• Recycled road material was used as fill for the concrete path and drainage backfill.
• The road was redesigned to retain seven out of ten mature median trees, integrating them into new traffic calming treatments.
• Road space was reallocated from vehicles to allow for the planting of 30 additional street trees.
• Old concrete and asphalt materials were recycled and repurposed.

The Willcock Street Upgrade and Renewal has made the area not only safer but also more appealing for residents. It provides a safer walking and cycling route to the Canning City Centre, reducing car dependency and promoting a pedestrian-friendly environment.

The City of Canning's Willcock Street Renewal & Upgrade project was recognised as a finalist for Best Public Works Project (Metropolitan) Under $2m category at the 2025 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IWPEA) WA Excellence Awards.