The City of Perth has approved the demolition of the Law Chambers building and the refurbishment of the Public Trustees building, paving the way for the redevelopment of the Cathedral Square precinct.
Council last night approved a development application from the Anglican Diocese of Perth, which owns the Law Chambers building.
The approval is a key plank in the City's plan to restore the heritage-listed Old Treasury Buildings, and construct a new office tower and a new city library at Cathedral Square.
The approval is the culmination of months of intensive negotiation between a raft of key stakeholders; the Anglican Diocese of Perth, the City of Perth, Mirvac, The Public Trustee, Aman Resorts and the State Government.
Anglican Diocese of Perth executive officer, Brian Dixon, said the approval from council heralded the beginning of what would be a significant and much-needed redevelopment at the east end of the city.
“It’s a very complex deal that we’ve been negotiating for more than 18 months,” Mr Dixon said.
“The centrepiece of the redevelopment will be Cathedral Square, which will provide a significantly improved public open space as well as a vibrant pedestrian, restaurant and shopping area.
“The restoration of the Old Treasury Buildings, which will be converted into a hotel, has been on the cards for many years and we’re pleased that at last this unique heritage building will finally be repaired and refurbished.”
The project is expected to commence by mid-2012 and take two years to complete.
