Forrestfield Station to be renamed High Wycombe after push from locals

THE terminus station for the State Government’s $1.8 billion Forrestfield-Airport Link will be permanently renamed after more than three quarters of survey respondents opted for the station to be named High Wycombe to reflect its geographical location.

The new station is one of three under construction as part of the Forrestfield-Airport Link, which will also be officially rebadged the Airport Line when it becomes operational.

More than 3500 votes were cast in the community survey, in which City of Kalamunda residents and business operators were invited to choose between High Wycombe and Forrestfield for the station’s permanent name.

High Wycombe was the runaway winner, with 76.1 per cent opting to name the station after the suburb in which it is located.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said there was overwhelming local community support to change the name to High Wycombe Station.

“Asking members of the community to be part of the naming decision for both Redcliffe and High Wycombe stations allows those who will use the new Airport Line the opportunity to have their say before the line opens,” she said.

“It’s pleasing to see the progress on the new High Wycombe Station, which will be a jewel in the crown for the wider City of Kalamunda community and an important piece of infrastructure for decades to come.”

Federal Member for Swan Steve Irons said he was pleased the new name had been chosen by the local community.

“The station name of High Wycombe reflects the feedback from the community that I have had since 2017,” he said.

“Everyone I have heard from were overwhelming in support for naming the station High Wycombe, reflecting its geographical location.”

State Member for Forrestfield Stephen Price MLA said the name of the station had been topical since the commencement of the project.

“As a strong advocate for my community to be able to have their say I’m pleased that so many people took part in the community survey,” he said.

Construction has also started on High Wycombe Station’s 1200 bay multi-deck car park.

The Metronet project will connect Perth’s eastern suburbs to the CBD via Bayswater, with new stations at Redcliffe, Airport Central and High Wycombe.

Trains are expected to start running in late 2021.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the new rail line will take cars off Perth roads and reduce congestion.