WEST Australian Planning Minister John Day last week released design guidelines and new images of the Perth Waterfront project that aim to demonstrate the high standard of development that will be required across the precinct.

Mr Day said the images were derived from the detailed design work that had been undertaken over the past 12 months and provided an insight into how the public spaces would look once completed.

"Perth Waterfront will be developed as a place for people - it will showcase the latest thinking in sustainable building and urban design, with a key focus on the way people interact," he said.

According to Mr Day, the design guidelines set provisions for building specifications and land use across each of the nine development sites and provide a flexible framework to encourage innovative design from future developers.

Mr Day said the guidelines include provisions to maximise natural light in public areas around the inlet, cater for views between building towers and require podium levels of between three and six storeys for all buildings in the precinct.

"This is in addition to the mandated provisions for incorporating public art in design and achieving environmentally sustainable development, including a minimum five-star Green Star rating," the Minister said.

In addition to the release of the draft design guidelines, Mr Day said a proposed scheme amendment to officially transfer planning authority for the Perth Waterfront project to the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) was also open for public consultation.

"Perth Waterfront is the centrepiece of the Government's plan to transform the city to ensure it is capable of meeting the needs of our growing population," Mr Day said.

When complete, Perth Waterfront is expected to provide new commercial, residential and retail accommodation set around a 2.7 hectare inlet and connected by promenades and boardwalks.

The draft design guidelines and scheme amendment are open for public consultation until June 5, 2012.  Copies of the documents are available from the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority website at <http://www.mra.wa.gov.au/>.