Evoke Design Group has won the tender to design Landcorp's first new community in central Geraldton.

The multi-disciplinary firm is currently working on a structure plan for an 8.5ha site that will be divided into around 70 low and medium density residential lots straddling the Beresford and Bluff Point suburbs.

The southern boundary of the site is created by the arc of an historic rail line (pictured), now out of use, that used to connect Walkaway to Geraldton.

Landcorp is also currently looking for a private partner to help develop the site, for which expressions of interest close on 12 November 2009.

This news comes as the West Australian state government has released almost a hectare of prime waterfront land near Geraldon’s CBD.

“It is bounded by Marine Terrace and Foreshore Drive, and extra public open space has already been allocated at each end - fronting Durlacher Street to the south and Forrest Street to the north,” transport minister Simon O’Brien said.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the land’s marina zoning permitted intense development and allowed a mix of commercial, retail and residential.

“We are looking for a high-quality mixed-use development which will play an important role in shaping the future city centre,” Blayney said.