Workers back in the city

Perth CBD occupancy rates are continuing to climb, reaching 65 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in June, as measures to encourage workers to return to the CBD are taking effect.

The Property Council of Australia WA Division’s latest occupancy figures show a 1 per cent uptick in CBD occupancy levels since May and a 14 per cent lift since April.

Nationally, Perth and Melbourne were the only two cities that saw an increase in occupancy compared with pre-COVID levels, with the latter at 49 per cent in June.

Sydney’s occupancy rate were at 55 per cent compared with the start of the pandemic, Brisbane was at 64 per cent and Adelaide 71 per cent.

Property Council Australia WA Division president Sandra Brewer said Perth was on a path to reaching pre-COVID levels of CBD occupancy, since hitting a low of 45 per cent in March this year.

“Campaigns which have focused on increasing activity in the CBD, such as the Property Council’s CBD VIP, which launched in May and saw the state and local government combine with private property owners to incentivise CBD visitation, the City of Perth’s Bounce Back program and State government grants, have played a vital part in driving people back into the CBD,” she said.

Ms Brewer added that bringing the CBD to pre-pandemic levels needed more than a few campaigns, but these programs demonstrated the willingness of CBD stakeholders to play a part in revitalising the CBD.

“There is a clear desire for a shared effort to encourage a strong CBD return and the data tells us that more people are taking the opportunity to embrace the benefits offered by being in the office and enjoying the renewed vibrancy of the CBD,” she said.

She added that continued investment in the city was key to ensuring workers attended the office.