Back in Perth for the weekend to go to a friend’s wedding, I decided to head into the CBD and Northbridge to check out some record stores for International Record Store Day. You can read my post on that topic here. While I was in the CBD, I had a bit of a wander around and took some photos. There’s no real topic or underlying theme to this post, just photos that I took while walking around and assorted musings on my hometown.
Each time I go back to Perth, there’s more street art in the laneways. Slowly but surely, the laneways are being activated throughout the CBD. Unfortunately, this is all very regulated at the moment and is happening at a snail’s pace. There was an article in the local paper a little while ago about all of the vacant small spaces in various buildings throughout the CBD and how difficult it is for owners to do anything with them due to regulation and cost.
It would be great if regulations were loosened so that owners could rent them out for cheap to artists and independent, local retailers etc. Often access is via these laneways, up some stairs or though a passageway. It would really help to add another layer to the CBD.
Murray Street Mall is one of the main shopping malls in Perth’s CBD.
Forest Chase has undergone a huge transformation over the past few years. Only a few years ago, the fountain, stage and nice stone paving didn’t exist, instead there was an ugly concrete overpass that completely blocked off the rundown square from the street and created a very unwelcoming environment.
“The green blob” was quite controversial when it was unveiled, and either you love it or hate it. I think it’s great because whenever I go back home, I always see people engaging with it and regardless of what you think of the design, that’s exactly the sort of thing that Perth needs.
The second Australian branch of Jamie Oliver’s restaurant chain “Jamie’s Italian” opened in Perth recently. The huge lines during lunch and dinner mean between a 2-3 hour wait for a table. This sounds crazy for what is ultimately just an international chain, however it goes to show what has been missing in very overpriced Perth – well priced, decent food with great service.
Elsewhere in the world, a Jamie’s Italian opening would not be such a big deal, but in Perth it is all part of a shift which should ultimately lead to there being more options for decent, well priced meals in Perth. Operators who have got away with gouging their customers in the past for a sub-standard experience will be forced to adapt or close.
St George’s Terrace is where you’ll find most of Perth’s office towers. It’s been the historical centre of business in Perth for a long time. It’s rather devoid of life outside of 9-5 weekdays, but recent improvements and initiatives are aiming to make it a street that’s active outside of business hours. Further up, there are now bars and restaurants where previously there was nothing to keep people in the area.
Howard Street contains a lot of beautiful older buildings at that start, and then the unfortunate ugly boxes that resulted from the destruction of Perth’s heritage in the 1970s and 1980s. It’s really sad knowing that Perth’s CBD used to be full of these old buildings, which were knocked down for nondescript ugly boxes.
Howard Lane just off Howard Street was one of the first laneways to be “activated” under the current scheme and now has art, installations and a few bars.
Grand Lane is the most recent laneways to be activated in the CBD. A new on-trend cafe selling toasted sandwiches “Toastface Grillah” opened up down the end recently. I wanted to check it out, but unfortunately they weren’t open on Saturdays (they will be soon according to their Facebook page).
A lot more installations like the boxes and lights below are appearing around the CBD too which is great.
