Get ready for a major enhancement to life in Perth’s southern and south-eastern suburbs! Mark your calendars for Monday, June 9th, 2025, as two significant METRONET projects come online, promising improved commutes, better connections, and exciting changes for local communities.

This is fantastic news for residents and anyone considering moving to these areas, signifying enhanced accessibility and lifestyle appeal.

1. Game Changer: The Thornlie-Cockburn Line Opens!

Perth’s first east-west rail connection, the Thornlie-Cockburn Line (TCL), previously called the Thornlie-Cockburn Link, officially commences service on June 9th. This $1.3 billion METRONET project is more than just tracks; it’s about connecting communities:

• New Stations: Welcome Nicholson Road and Ranford Road stations! These bring rail access closer than ever for residents in surrounding suburbs like Canning Vale, Harrisdale, Piara Waters, and Southern River.
• Faster Commutes: Enjoy quicker trips to the city – just 27 minutes from Nicholson Road and 31 minutes from Ranford Road to Perth CBD.
• Direct Stadium Access: For the first time, Mandurah Line commuters will have a direct train route to Optus Stadium via upgraded Stadium Station platforms.
• Enhanced Connections: Upgrades at Thornlie and Cockburn Central stations further integrate the network. New and updated bus routes are being finalised to feed into the new stations, making commutes smoother (details coming soon from the PTA).

Impact: The TCL connects tens of thousands of people to Perth’s rail network for the first time, significantly boosting the convenience and appeal of living in these rapidly growing southern suburbs. Easier commutes and access to key destinations like the city and stadium are major lifestyle enhancements.

2. All Stations Go: Inner Armadale Line Reopens with Elevated Rail

Simultaneously on June 9th, the inner section of the Armadale Line reopens following its major $1.6 billion transformation as part of METRONET:

• Elevated Stations: Five brand new, modern elevated stations debut at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park, Cannington, and Beckenham.
• Level Crossings Gone: Say goodbye to frustration! Six level crossings are permanently removed through Victoria Park and Canning, drastically reducing traffic congestion along key routes like Oats Street, Welshpool Road, and Hamilton Street.
• Improved Safety & Amenity: Elevated rail enhances safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Plus, get ready for “Long Park” – Perth’s first extensive linear parkland created beneath the rail line, offering fantastic new recreational space for the community.

Impact: This transformation revitalises established suburbs along the inner Armadale Line corridor. Reduced traffic congestion, improved safety, modern station facilities, and exciting new parkland significantly enhance liveability and desirability in areas like Victoria Park, East Victoria Park, Cannington, and Beckenham.

What About the Rest of the Armadale Line?

The transformation continues! The outer section of the Armadale Line (including stations from Kenwick to Armadale, plus the new Byford Station) is set to reopen in the coming months. This will feature the new elevated Armadale Station and the brand-new Byford Station, extending modern rail services further south.

• Temporary Transport: Until the full line reopens, amended rail replacement buses will operate, mostly connecting to the reopened train line at Cannington Station from June 9th. Free travel concessions for affected passengers continue until their regular station reopens.

What This Means for You and Your Property

These METRONET upgrades represent a massive investment in the future of Perth’s southern and south-eastern corridors. The benefits are clear:

• Faster, Easier Commutes: Saving time and reducing reliance on cars.
• Better Connectivity: Linking suburbs and providing easier access to the CBD, employment hubs, education facilities (like Carlisle TAFE), and entertainment precincts (Optus Stadium).
• Reduced Traffic Congestion: A major win for residents along the Armadale Line.
• Enhanced Lifestyle: New parks and modern station precincts improve local amenity.
• Potential Property Value Uplift: Historically, major infrastructure improvements like these often positively influence property desirability and value over time.

Thinking of Making a Move?

With these exciting METRONET transport links coming online, the appeal of living in suburbs serviced by the Thornlie-Cockburn Line and the revitalised Armadale Line is stronger than ever.

Whether you’re considering buying, selling, investing, or renting in areas like Canning Vale, Harrisdale, Thornlie, Cockburn Central, Victoria Park, Cannington, Beckenham, Gosnells, Armadale, Byford, or any of the surrounding suburbs, understanding the impact of this new infrastructure is key.

Contact Holdsworth Real Estate today! Our team has in-depth local knowledge and can discuss how these exciting developments might influence your property decisions. Let us help you navigate the opportunities in these transforming suburbs.

(P.S. Keep an eye out for community celebration events planned for Sunday, June 8th for the TCL opening, and later in the year for the full Armadale Line reopening!)