City of South Perth's plans to revitalise the Old Mill precinct.

The West Australian: BEATRICE THOMAS

The restoration of Millers Pool and a building to house South Perth's first tram are shaping up as the first projects to emerge from the City of South Perth's plans to revitalise the Old Mill precinct and could be built within two years, council leaders say.

Community consultation found 203 of 428 responses were in favour of the plan, 174 against, including 128 pro forma submissions from nearby apartment owners, and 51 unsure.

The plan, which was released for public comment last year, involves restoring the 175-year-old mill and building a new museum, art gallery, cafe and restaurant in a cultural and historical precinct on the eastern side of Narrows Bridge.

On the western side of the bridge, an adventure and recreation precinct would combine water sports businesses with boat pens and a ferry terminal. The roof of a cafe and offices would double as a landing place for a flying fox while a "serpent bridge" would link to Kings Park.

Last week the council agreed to redesign elements of the plan, including shifting the restaurant north near the existing car park, soft edge treatments to the north and south sides of Millers Pool and redesigning the look of the art gallery-museum and marina.

It also backed preparation of detailed financial briefs for Millers Pool and a stand-alone Tram House, which would then be incorporated into a future art gallery and museum.

The council estimates the eastern side of the project would cost more than $14 million, with the western end contingent on State Government approval and funding support.

South Perth mayor James Best said the council was pursuing the "easier things first" while it continued to work on other, more costly elements.

The council has budgeted $500,000 of the $1 million cost of reinstating Millers Pool and $250,000 of the estimated $500,000 cost of building a Tram House.

South Perth chief executive Cliff Frewing said he would pursue Federal funding and said Millers Pool and the Tram House could be built within two years.