West Perth could have its own town square, if a proposal by the City of Perth to transform a block of public housing flats on the corner of Colin and Hay Streets is realised.
West Perth could have its own town square, if a proposal by the City of Perth to transform a block of public housing flats on the corner of Colin and Hay Streets is realised.
Council has appointed a consultant to examine options for the town square and will hold a forum with local business people and residents later this month to discuss the feasibility of the proposal.
The government-owned Graham Flats site at 1217 Hay Street is understood to be considered by council as the most suitable place for a public square, given its 5,285 square metre size, central location and proximity to offices and shops.
The heritage listed three-storey block of 70 units was opened in 1958 and is fully leased.
Council is believed to be proposing the government enter into a land swap, whereby the site is transferred to council ownership, with the state government picking up the title of a council-owned site of similar value.
Among the government’s options are a 9,836sq m council owned site at 160 Hay Street, currently occupied by the Rod Evans Senior Citizens Club, The Archbishop Goody Hostel and a public playground.
A City of Perth spokesman told WA Business News that discussions were continuing with various stakeholders, including the Department of Housing and Works and the Heritage Council, and a final decision on the Graham Flats site was yet to be made.
The West Perth town square proposal recently emerged from council’s year-long review of the West Perth Urban Design Study (1993), which is the development master plan for the area.
Over the past year, council has been consulting with a group of businesses and residents, called the West Perth Beautification and Regeneration Group, to work out planning priorities for future development of the area.
As well as discussing the town square proposal at the soon-to-be announced forum, the group will discuss priorities including identifying potential ‘pocket parks’, the introduction of a light-rail system, together with lighting and streetscape improvements.
Meanwhile, council and the government are working closely to create more public open space in the city and are exploring concepts for a ‘Cathedral Square’, bordered by St Georges Terrace, Barrack, Hay and Pier Streets.
The site also encompasses St Georges Cathedral, the former Land Titles building and Foundation Park.
In order to open the central city precinct up for public use, the government is keen to acquire the 1970s era Law Chambers/Public Trustees building on Hay Street with a view to demolition.
A valuation report for the property was recently provided to the government and is being used to weigh up the financial and logistical requirements of such a move.
The deal, however, is contingent upon building owners, the Perth Diocesan Trust and the Public Trustee, agreeing to the sale, as well as the successful relocation of 12 tenants.
A decision on the acquisition is not expected to be made until later this year, when the government has considered development proposals for the old Treasury Building.
