Mt Hawthorn set to blossom

Tuesday, 13 March, 2001 - 21:00
A $3.5 million development is spearheading a sharp rise in the profile of inner city suburb Mt Hawthorn, formerly known as the “poor man’s Mt Lawley”.

The small suburb, which has previously been seen as being overshadowed by North Perth and Leederville, could soon rival areas such as Mt Lawley and Subiaco as the prime inner city location for commercial and residential activities.

According to Henry Betlehem, of Urban Concepts Developers, it was Mt Hawthorn’s turn to shine.

“Mount Hawthorn has been a real sleeper suburb in the past, it really just been left alone,” he said.

“But there aren’t that many opportunities left in North Perth and Leederville, so Mount Hawthorn will be the next place to have a run.

“We see this (project) as a catalyst for a number of projects in the area.”

The development includes six ground-floor commercial locations and a mix of 12 residential apartments and townhouses.

Located in the heart of Mt Hawthorn, the development is also part of a blossoming café and retail strip.

Demand for homes in the area is at an all time high, and existing residents are starting to make the most of their properties.

According to Paxton Hoad North real estate principal Barry Litten, the appeal of the suburb lay in its aesthetics and its location.

“One of the reasons Mt Hawthorn is starting to get a wriggle on is because of the beautiful character homes and its closeness to the city, beach and the Freeway,” Mr Litten said.

Realty Executives Keith Howes and Associates associate Susy Kohn said with the average annual property appreciation rate standing at 10 per cent, the desirability of Mt Hawthorn was only likely to increase