The building of Medina began in late 1952 when the State Housing Commission was detailed to construct an initial number of 333 houses to provide housing for the workers and families of the establishing BP Refinery and later the refineries of BHP and Alcoa. Medina was the first suburb of what later became known as Kwinana. For many years the growth of Medina and Western Australia's heavy industry was inextricably linked. Medina became Western Australia's showpiece.
Medina was named after the sailing ship 'The Medina' which brought settlers to Western Australia in the early 1800's. The streets of Medina are named after the passengers and crew that were aboard 'The Medina'.
In mid 2007 Medina was declared a Historic Precinct by the National Trust WA. This classification is in recognition of the significant heritage values - social, natural and built - of Medina. The declaration of Medina as a Historic Precinct provides a platform for the appropriate development and revitalisation of Medina that enhances and conserves its unique heritage.
This information was adapted from the 'Medina Heritage Walk booklet: A celebration of Kwinana's Unique History'
Medina Cultural Plan
The Community Arts Network WA (CAN WA) was engaged by the Town of Kwinana in December 2006 to undertake a cultural mapping project consultancy to identify the values of the Medina community, in particular the values relating to the natural and built environment.
The values of the Medina community, as identified through the consultancy, will inform the development of the design guidelines and subsequently the new developments in Medina.
A full copy of the Medina Cultural Plan is available online or by contacting the Town's Strategic Projects Coordinator on 9439 0200.
Medina Neighbourhood Revitalisation Strategy
Revitalisation of the Medina Neighbourhood Centre, the area which predominantly includes the cluster of shops and services on Pace Road, is underway with community consultation having started in mid-May 2009. Around 60 local residents keen to have their say in the suburb's development, attended the first community meeting.
As well as asking the Medina community to get involved with this visioning process to ensure that the outcomes meet their requirements, the Town also needs a plan that will be commercially successful and so we actively encourage the commercial property owners, local businesses and tenants to let us know your ideas and aspirations.
There are several public forums planned that will be held at key points in the preparation of the plan to review options and provide feedback on the directions that should be pursued. It is expected the next one will be in mid-August.
In addition, the process will be directed by a Steering Committee made up of representatives of the Kwinana Council, Council staff, the existing businesses, property owners and the wider community.
Information, updates and documentation will be posted on this page regularly to keep interested members of the community up to date.
For further information telephone the Town's Economic Development Officer on 9439 0200.
