Emily Piesse

THE buoyant economic conditions that prompted the recent wave of new retail developments in the Perth CBD are starting to turn, and while inquiries from retailers remain strong, a downturn in retail spending may dampen demand.

SUBIACO-BASED property syndicator Australasian Property Investments Pty Ltd has released the plans for its $150 million Subi Centro development on the former site of refrigeration company, Arcus Australia.

WESTERN Australia's property market was a vastly changed landscape in the latter half of financial year 2008, as the boom came to an end and the global financial crisis began to unfold.

TWELVE months ago, the idea of having more than a handful of job applications for a single vacancy would have been beyond contemplation for many businesses in Western Australia.

RISING office rents in the Perth CBD are prompting a change in the city's tenant profile, with a number of companies relocating after rent reviews, and others pushed out of the city into fringe suburbs.

FOUR years after it started training food industry employees, Victoria Park-based provider Australian College of Training is preparing to export its services to New Zealand and Asia.

House rents in Perth remained steady in the September quarter, in line with most other state capitals, while rents for units fell 6 per cent, according to figures from Australian Property Monitors.

THE push to redevelop laneways in the Perth CBD is gaining momentum, with plans for a series of small bars and cafes being developed by business owners and arts groups.

THE downturn in Western Australia's property market is continuing to challenge the residential building industry, with housing starts falling across the board and businesses being forced to adapt.

WITH universities facing growing pressure to specialise, driven by funding models and the looming federal government higher education review, Western Australia's four public universities are preparing to run the measuring tape over their course offerings.

PROPERTY developers with projects in the City of Joondalup will soon have their development plans assessed by an independent committee, following a decision by the council to set up a design advisory panel.

THE downturn in Perth's housing market continued during the September quarter, with the city's median house price falling for the third consecutive quarter to $426,000.

ALMOST 120,000 extra workers could be made available in Western Australia if women received more incentives to join the workforce, according to a new report from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA.

Almost 120,000 extra workers could be made available in Western Australia if more women were encouraged to join the workforce, according to a new report from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA.

Perth's median house price is expected to rise 12 per cent by 2010-11, although solid growth is unlikely over the next two years due to affordability constraints, according to a report from mortgage insurer PMI.

WESTERN Australian pearl jeweller Kailis is preparing to move to premises in King Street, having leased the long-vacant site at number 29 between luxury international labels Gucci and Bally.

NEWLY established venture capital firm Banksia Capital has struck its first deal, raising $7 million for Malaga-based water filtration company Cool Clear Water Beverages Pty Ltd to assist the company's expansion.

THE federal government's push towards mutual recognition of trades between states has raised concerns from peak professional body, the Australian Institute of Conveyancers WA Division.

MALAGA-BASED civil construction and engineering group Georgiou Corporation Holdings Pty Ltd is relocating its headquarters to Osborne Park, with plans to build a 6,000 square metre office building near the IKEA store.

DURING the past three years, the influx of cranes into the Perth CBD has provided a strong visual reminder of the strength of Western Australia's economy and the buoyancy in the property sector.

The credit crunch sweeping global markets is buffeting the property sector in Western Australia, with major developer Brookfield Multiplex denying rumours that the $1 billion office tower City Square was in jeopardy.

APARTMENT developers in the Perth CBD are preparing for the first wave of settlements on new projects, at a time when softening market conditions have left some projects unsold and others facing defaults on contracts.

OFFICE fit-outs using energy-efficient designs and quirky layouts were recognised at this year's Design Institute of Australia WA design awards.

THE downturn in Western Australia's property sector has produced an increase in property repossessions and home loan arrears in the state, according to a report from the Reserve Bank of Australia.

MIGRATION agents believe new federal legislation aimed at cracking down on employers that exploit workers under the temporary 457 visa program will lead to a further tightening of employer obligations.

MALAGA-BASED Complete Site Services is set to become Western Australia's newest player in the transportable mining accommodation sector, having being awarded a $65 million contract to supply and install a camp for 801 workers at Fortescue Metals Group's H

US-based machinery group Terex Australia has signed a design and construct deal with Perth Airport to establish its new WA headquarters on a four hectare site at the airport's Kewlink intermodal business park.

FIVE years after the first plans were drafted, the Town of Claremont has released its vision for a redevelopment of Claremont Oval and its surrounds.

THE CBD will face a power shortfall in 2010 unless Western Power installs $100 million worth of new electrical infrastructure to cater for the increased demand on the grid from new office and apartment buildings.

Calling the bottom of the market is fraught with danger for real estate agents and developers, but many in the industry are hopeful that the tide is beginning to turn.

CHIDLOW-BASED property developer Greenedge Projects Pty Ltd is seeking to raise $12 million through an ASX-listing for its sustainable development vehicle, Greenedge Ethical Investments Ltd.

Perth company Complete Site Services, a subsidiary of the Complete Group, has been awarded a $65 million contract to supply and install a 801-man camp for Fortescue Metal Group's Christmas Creek project, about 100km north of Newman.