The City of Perth will develop the corner of James and Lake streets into a public piazza with a two-storey commercial building overlooking the square.
The City of Perth will develop the corner of James and Lake streets into a public piazza with a two-storey commercial building overlooking the square.
To be located on the northern side of the piazza, the building will include an event box for cultural performances and a four-by-five-metre screen for events.
Perth Lord Mayor Dr Peter Nattrass said the Northbridge Piazza was an important part of the vision that the City of Perth had for the precinct.
“It is an initiative which will enhance Northbridge and further its reputation as being the prime entertainment precinct in Australia,” Dr Nattrass said.
Colliers International has been appointed to seek expressions of interest from businesses wanting to become part of the development, and with the plans not yet finalised, tenants have the opportunity to change layouts and size of the tenancies.
Colliers senior retail leasing executive Richard Cash said a variety of opportunities would be available, varying from 40 to more than 300 square metres on two levels.
“All premises will have excellent exposure; the ground floor premises will enjoy al fresco areas and upper floor premises will have large balcony areas,” Mr Cash said.
“We are expecting strong interest from a range of businesses including specialty retail, grocery or fresh produce, restaurant, cafe or wine bar.”
Northbridge has recently been a major focus of the State Government and the City of Perth, with the formal announcement last month of the Northbridge Link Project, which will involve the sinking of the rail lines in Northbridge.
The City of Perth has agreed to contribute $25 million plus land worth an estimated $6.25 million towards the project. The Govern-ment has agreed to contribute $25 million and a parcel of land. The Mandurah-Clarkson line will run underground in the city to a point west of Lake Street, while the Fremantle line will travel under-ground from Perth railway station to the same point.
The East Perth Redevelopment Authority will oversee the development of the land.
In addition, a $42 million performing arts venue planned for the corner of William and Roe streets is expected to be complete by 2008.
