Land-use changing: report

Government take-up of floor space in Perth has increased more than any other sector in the 11 years from 1990 to 2001, according to a recently released report analysing the change in land use in the city.

At the other end of the spectrum, the insurance sector has experienced the greatest decrease over that time.

Jointly funded by the City of Perth and the Western Australian Planning Commission, the report indicates a steady overall gain in the number of establishments in the City of Perth – from 5,690 in 1990 to 6,035 in 2001.

The office business sector accounts for the majority of growth, with shop retail experiencing the largest decline over the 11-year period.

Floor space in the CBD has increased 14.6 per cent from 3.25 million square metres to 3.7 million square metres over the study period.

Professional services have experienced the greatest growth in employment, increasing from 18.7 per cent to 27.8 per cent of the workforce, and experiencing the second highest growth in floor space.

Mining and computing have also experienced growth in employment and floor space, while real estate and finance remained relatively unchanged.

This is consistent with global trends showing a move towards smaller units of activity characterised by adaptability that are project based, dependant on contract staff and demand a greater use of informal meeting spaces such as cafes.

The only sector to notably decline in floor space and employment was the insurance sector.

The report found that the character of change of the City of Perth over the survey period was largely towards contemporary uses that create village-like precincts.

Lord Mayor Dr Peter Nattrass said changes of significance included growth in private and commercial residential development and greater emphasis on lifestyle and recreation.

“Perth is no exception when it comes to transformation – old functions are slowly disappearing and are being replaced by emerging new roles, which are directly affected by local, national and international trends,” Dr Nattrass said.