Property groups are calling on all levels of government to align for a shared vision on the Perth’s future as the city hits a pivotal time in its development, a new report suggests.
The Creating Thriving Cities report, prepared by property consultants Urbis for the Property Council of Australia WA Division, explores what is needed for the city to thrive.
Perth developers Randal Humich, behind an $160 million proposal to revamp Barrack Street, and Melissa Karlson of Wyllie Group, which owns the Convention Centre, will today discuss the findings of the report at a Property Council event.
Property Council WA executive director Sandra Brewer stated that the city does not need another new plan, but a “shared vision and alignment between all those that are part of building or contributing to Perth’s fabric”.
She said a shared plan would bring together significant developments such as the ECU City Campus, Perth’s Cultural Centre and the WACA pool with major private sector investments in Elizabeth Quay, the retail malls, Roe Street and Barrack Street.
“There are currently many disparate organisations and agencies with interests in the city, each with a different plan for how to improve Perth,” she said.
“The opportunity now is to bring all stakeholders together with a collective vision, to coordinate projects and priorities, to set outcomes for public sector infrastructure planning in a publicly accountable manner.
“A plan that sets a direction to allow our state to provide for the future will ensure that Perth’s $80.1 billion economy will continue to grow, thrive, and deliver for our state.”
The report cites the Brisbane City Masterplan as a model for a new plan for Perth.
Developed over the course of 2021, Brisbane City Council commissioned the plan to combine elements and individual projects to create a shared vision for the city.
The report also reaffirms the need for a focus on bringing more residents to the CBD, as well as a need for a roadmap to provide more essential services such as schools and supermarkets, to drive demand for apartments in the city.
“Now, more than ever, initiatives that position Perth as a beacon of opportunity, attractive to residents, investors, visitors and skilled workers, will support our city to thrive,” Ms Brewer said.
“Measures like rates holidays and unlocking strategic government-owned sites to make inner-city living more attractive will provide the momentum to support a future residential population.
“Many stakeholders are doing great things, and it’s clear the momentum is shifting in the right direction in Perth.”
