Shaping Perth’s Future: A Vision for 2036 and Beyond

Perth is entering a defining decade. The City is growing rapidly, evolving economically and attracting more people to live, work, study and spend time in the heart of the City than ever before. With that growth comes an important question: what kind of city do we want Perth to become?

City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds believes the answer lies in planning boldly, thinking long-term and designing a city centre that puts people first.

“That’s why the City has once again partnered with internationally renowned urban strategy and design firm Gehl to develop ‘Shaping Perth City Centre: Towards 2036 and Beyond’ - a long-term framework that sets a bold new direction for the future of Central Perth,” he said.

“Perth is a vibrant, globally recognised city and a growing economic powerhouse. Our City centre must continue to evolve to support that growth and unlock its full potential.”

Founded in Copenhagen and globally recognised for transforming cities through people-focused urban design, Gehl has played an important role in shaping Perth over the past three decades through projects such as Elizabeth Quay, Perth City Link and the ECU City Campus.

In 1994, the City and State Government commissioned Professor Jan Gehl to lead the landmark ‘Perth Public Spaces and Public Life’ study. A follow-up study in 2009 documented the progress that had been made and identified new opportunities for the future.

Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said that with Perth’s residential population projected to grow to 55,000 by 2036 - and potentially 90,000 by 2050 - planning for the future has never been more important.

“The Towards 2036 framework provides a clear roadmap for how Perth’s city centre can continue to grow while remaining liveable, connected, sustainable and distinctly Perth,” he said.

“At its core, the framework is about creating a city centre people want to spend time in - not simply pass through.

“For this plan to succeed, it will require all levels of government to work together, alongside support from the wider community. As the Capital City, we play a unique role in shaping the future of our State. Planning for the growing number of people who live, work and spend time in the City is a shared responsibility - and one we must embrace collectively.”

Importantly, the framework was not developed in isolation. More than 80 stakeholders across planning, design, development, tourism and government helped shape the document, alongside extensive analysis of how people move through and use the City. The result is a practical, place-based strategy grounded in both global expertise and local knowledge.

The framework outlines five strategic goals for the City of Perth, supported by a series of key moves and catalyst projects designed to shape the city centre over the coming decade and beyond.

Among the most transformative proposals are redefined north-south connections through the City. William Street is envisioned as a greener spine, Barrack Street as a cultural spine and a new ‘People’s Walk’ created to better connect the upgraded Perth Station precinct through Forrest Place and Carillon City to Elizabeth Quay.

The framework also proposes the creation of the ‘Buneenboro Loop’ - a more connected waterfront experience linking the Swan River, Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay, the Convention Centre and Langley Park.

Other priorities include reimagining the Hay and Murray Street malls to better support modern city life, creating more liveable residential streets within the city centre, and transforming Wellington Street and St Georges Terrace into more people-focused transit corridors.

The framework, together with a number of City strategies has been a key informing document to the City of Perth’s Capital City Plan and will help guide future planning, investment and partnerships across Central Perth.

Informed by extensive community engagement, the Capital City Plan outlines a long-term vision for Perth and serves as the City’s primary strategic document, guiding planning, investment and decision-making over the next decade.

The Council endorsed plan was shaped by feedback from more than 2,000 community members and stakeholders. Together, both these plans ensure Perth is planning confidently for a growing capital city that is liveable, prosperous and sustainable for years to come. 

Perth is already recognised globally as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Delivering the ‘Shaping Perth City Centre: Towards 2036 and Beyond’ framework will help ensure Perth not only maintains that reputation but strengthens it as the City grows and evolves.