Demolition work has started at Subiaco’s Pavilion Markets, as developer Blackburne gears up for a marketing launch of its $235 million apartments project later this year.
Work to clear the site will occur over the next few weeks, with the main Pavilion Markets building to be razed in early May.
Blackburne managing director Paul Blackburne said items of historical significance had been removed from the building and would be donated to the Subiaco Museum.
Mr Blackburne told Business News the demolition works represented the first stage of Subiaco’s revitalisation.
“It’s an exciting time not just for us but also the people of Subiaco, because having a derelict eyesore like this as the main entry statement on Rokeby Road has really hurt Subiaco,” Mr Blackburne said.
“I think it will lead to a really different feeling around Subiaco that things are happening and there is something exciting coming.”
Mr Blackburne said the developer had been inundated with inquiries ahead of a formal marketing launch, with more than 530 people registering their interest in purchasing an apartment.
The developer will formally launch its sales process in October.
“The display centre is going to be on site, and we’ll be setting up an eight-storey high viewing platform,” Mr Blackburne said.
“Although it only goes up part of the way, it gives people an idea of how good the views are from the building.
“From the top level you can clearly see Rottnest in the west and Kalamunda to the east, and you can also see over Kings Park to the river.”
And although Blackburne has received more than 530 registrations of interest, Mr Blackburne said the developer was not willing to rush the start of the sales process.
“There are three buildings with three different architectural designs and colour schemes, so it takes a long time to get that right,” he said.
“However, over June, July and August, people that are pre-registered will be able to come in for a one-on-one appointment at the display centre before the public launch on October 5.”
Mr Blackburne attributed the early success of the project to a lack of luxury options in the western suburbs apartments market.
“Although the general property market has been a bit flat, in every market there are sub-markets,” he said.
“I actually think there is a significant shortage of supply of larger high-end apartments with good views in the western suburbs.
“These residences will be 50 per cent larger than most apartments on the market making them perfect for every type of buyer.
“On the ground level you’ll find a mix of alfresco cafes and restaurants, permanent and pop-up market stalls, a fresh food grocer, boutique and artisan retailers, a beautifully located pocket park and cultural space where the community can come together.”
By Dan Wilkie
