The proposals are often characterised by opposition arguing that structures and facilities in the developments would create increased separation of the central business district from the river, further reducing access to the amenity.

The laying of Riverside Drive as a subsistence project in 1937 provided an opportunity for the City of Perth to negotiate for control of the entire foreshore, which had previously been managed by the State Gardens Board.

Perth City Council, town planner Paul Ritter and others argued that traffic volumes didn't warrant the plan, and that the new north–south freeway system was adequate.

[8] In 1988 it published its first foreshore redevelopment scheme, which included a focus on development along Langley Park to the east, as well as a number of pedestrian overpasses crossing Riverside Drive.

[11] In February 2008, Premier Alan Carpenter announced plans for a $300 million redevelopment including multiple high-rise buildings with joint private and public funding.

In February 2011 Premier Colin Barnett and Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi confirmed plans for a new project and funding, which included $270 million from the 2011/12 state budget.