The sites are being delivered to the market as part of The Link project.

The premium sites are located directly east of the Perth Arena construction site on Wellington Street, Perth.

The main site, known as Lot 2, offers developers a rare opportunity to create much-needed hotel or short stay accommodation in the CBD. The site can accommodate a 16-storey landmark building with restaurants, cafés and retail at ground floor with commercial, residential and hotel areas above.

The site measures 1495sqm and could also feature a rooftop restaurant, cinema or public space. Future hotel or short stay developments would also benefit from concerts and special events held at Perth Arena.

The Lot 2 site is designated for mixed use development and is positioned close to major offices, Northbridge and West Perth and has excellent public transport and freeway connections. 

The neighbouring Lot 3A, measuring 2630sqm, is being offered with Lot 2 to deliver further commercial mixed use opportunities to the area including retail and recreation developments to complement future surrounding residential, commercial and hotel activities.

EPRA CEO Tony Morgan said the two prime parcels of land are expected to attract keen interest from developers including major international hotel operators.

“The State Government, through EPRA and Tourism Western Australia, is working with the private sector to meet the needs of hotel developers and operators in developing Perth as a major tourism destination,” Mr Morgan said.

“The development opportunities these sites represent will help add to the exciting revitalisation of this area of the city and introduce a number of attractive services that will benefit the area in the years ahead.”

Chairman of Tourism Western Australia, Kate Lamont, has welcomed the opportunity and urged major hotel developers and operators to register their interest in this rare opportunity to secure large sites in such a premium location.

“There is research showing Perth is in serious need of an additional 300 rooms per year for the next 10 years to cater for current and expected growth in tourist numbers,” she said. “What we need now are quality hotel developers and operators to provide something quite unique that will add to the work of EPRA and Tourism Western Australia in putting Perth on the map.

“We would hope to see keen national and international interest, particularly from across the Asia Pacific region,” Ms Lamont added.

The Link project will reconnect the city centre with Northbridge for the first time in more than 100 years – an important part in the overall plan to revitalise Perth for locals and make it a “must experience” destination for tourists.

The project is expected to create more than 1,650 dwellings housing more than 3,000 residents and 244,000sqm of commercial space for about 13,350 workers.

Demand for short stay accommodation in Perth is the highest in the nation, with over 80% occupancy rates and room rates holding well despite the recent financial crisis. Strong demand growth is expected to resume with the success of Western Australia’s resources industry and upcoming projects like the $50 billion Gorgon and the $11.2 billion Pluto LNG Projects among those expected to boost corporate and tourist accommodation levels.

It is expected that a new hotel on the site will have great synergies with the adjoining Perth Arena by catering for visiting sporting teams and spectators and increase demand from local retailers within the Link development have help stimulate economic activity in the area. The hotel site is perfectly located to service the corporate market during the week and demand from the Perth Arena at weekends.

The purpose-built Perth Arena will be a major addition to Perth’s entertainment resources, hosting regular concerts and sporting events and helping to re-establish a connection between the city's commercial and entertainment hubs.

The two sites will be sold by EPRA via a three stage process:

• Stage 1 – call for Registrations of Interest; 
• Stage 2 – Expression of Interest; and 
• Stage 3 – Request for Detailed Proposals.

The formal expression of interest process will start early next year and will be completed by mid 2010.

As well as new commercial and residential opportunities, almost one third of the entire area will be dedicated to public space such as wide boulevards, public squares, alfresco areas, shade and public art.

Further information can be obtained by contacting EPRA representatives Lisa Montgomery (0421 587 712) or Richard Jeffcote (0432 753 884).

Planning and Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the exciting changes for the Perth Cultural Centre over the coming weeks and beyond was part of an $11 million commitment to revitalising the area.

Mr Day said the transformation of the cultural centre was a key part of the Liberal-National Government’s plans to revitalise and improve safety in Northbridge.

“The Perth Cultural Centre is one of the largest and most strategically-located public landholdings and cultural assets in Australia and the State Government have a real opportunity to create an international drawcard for Perth,” Mr Day said.

“By improving the area’s amenity, increasing security and bringing more entertainment and recreational activities to the cultural centre, the State Government is making a significant move towards improving the vibrancy and appeal of Northbridge.

“Both the short and long-term changes we will be making to the cultural centre are designed to bring more people, including families, into Northbridge, improving its vitality and safety.

“With the cultural centre plans, combined with the redevelopment of the Perth waterfront and the sinking of the rail line between Perth and Northbridge, the Liberal National Government is moving ahead on making Perth a more modern, liveable and vibrant city.”

Short-term improvements due to be completed by the end of the year include:

• better landscaping and more seating and shade so people can spend more time in the centre as a place to relax, a meeting place and access to free wifi
• new signage, way finding and banners
• the first lighting upgrades and projection of art on the library walls
• two new cafe pods in the central space providing food and beverage
• a website for all the latest news on events and attractions
• new performance spaces and a co-ordinated events program for the central area
• security guards, who will work with WA Police and City of Perth rangers to patrol the area.

The Minister said another important part of revitalising the Cultural Centre would be continuing to attract and promote events. Some of the events being considered for next year include a major concert, photographic exhibition and art installation.

Mr Day said EPRA would formally take over day-to-day management of the centre and introduce immediate and longer term improvements to transform it into one of Western Australia’s most loved places.

EPRA was also working with the centre’s organisations – Western Australian Museum, Art Gallery of Western Australia and the State Library - as well as PICA and the Blue Room, to bring exhibits and activities outside of the buildings.

“A lack of coordinated management and maintenance has led to the Cultural Centre becoming run down and under-utilised,” the Minister said.

“EPRA has led an extensive consultation with Cultural Centre stakeholders, and nationally and internationally renowned place design experts.

“This consultation has resulted in a short term plan to introduce some exciting changes over the next 12 months.”

Other improvements to be made within the next 12 months include:

• a giant LED screen where people can enjoy films or screenings from the cultural institutions
• an urban orchard at the Roe Street entrance and a native wetland in the Art Gallery ponds
• additional temporary stalls which could be used for an ice cream bar, cafe, ticket office, florist or a similar small retailer.
• additional feature lighting on buildings, trees and public art. 
• security upgrades including CCTV cameras and emergency phones.

In the longer term, changes being considered include utility upgrades, recreational equipment, retail opportunities and better pedestrian access.

As part of the overall commitment, EPRA is already undertaking a $6million revitalisation of William Street. Funds generated from leasing activities on William Street and the new commercial operators in the cultural centre’s central space will be reinvested back into the area for the long term future of the precinct.

Mr Day said he was confident EPRA, the Department of Culture and the Arts and the Perth Cultural Centre organisations would bring about real change.

“EPRA has a strong track record of transforming tired, run-down areas into modern, safe and popular places,” he said. 

“I want to invite all Western Australians, particularly families, to come down and rediscover the centre and the great learning and cultural organisations that reside here.”

The new Perth Cultural Centre is one of a series of urban renewal projects the State Government is delivering to revitalise Northbridge and the Perth city centre.

For more information about the Perth Cultural Centre visit www.epra.wa.gov.au

The developments are at the former Auto Masters site on the corner of William and Newcastle Streets and 137 Newcastle Street and would add 115 rental apartments to the area for a minimum of ten years.

EPRA CEO Tony Morgan said the land had been sold to private developers in 2008 as part of EPRA’s housing affordability and diversity program.

“There is a lack of rental accommodation in the inner city which prevents people who can’t afford to purchase a property from living in the area,” Mr Morgan said.

“EPRA wants to make sure people on low to moderate incomes can access housing that is close to public transport, services, recreation and employment.

“Northbridge has always been home to people from a range of backgrounds and this is something we want to continue. Access to affordable housing would ensure the social and economic diversity of New Northbridge and help create a vibrant community that people want to be part of.

“New Northbridge has enjoyed record growth in recent years and it is important there are affordable accommodation options so Western Australians from all walks of life can live in the area.

“These two developments are an excellent example of how the State Government and private sector can work together to improve housing affordability.”

The 115 properties would be rented privately by the developer and give students and key inner city workers the opportunity to live in close access to colleges and workplaces where they may not otherwise be able to afford to purchase a home.

The approved developments are:

Lots 551-561 Newcastle Street (former Auto Masters site)

• 4-6 storey development
• 119 dwellings including 82  one and two bedroom long-term rental apartments and 37 apartments to be sold
• Retail and office development
• Adaption of 5 heritage buildings

Lot 450 (No 137) Newcastle Street

• 4 storey development
• 33 long-term rental dwellings including one, two and three bedroom apartments
• Office and retail development

The developments are expected to be completed by 2011.

EPRA’s housing affordability and diversity program aims to create 10 to 15 per cent affordable housing in all new developments through a range of affordable housing products in partnership with private developers, not-for-profit organisations and other government agencies.  It comprises social housing, affordable housing and market housing, which includes long-term rental accommodation.

Under the long-term rental program the developer cannot sell the apartments individually and must be held by the developer for a minimum 10 years as rental accommodation. The accommodation must be rented under a residential lease for six months or longer and can not be used for short stay tourist accommodation.

EPRA’s New Northbridge project has been changing the face of Northbridge since it started redeveloping the 27hecatre area in 2000.

EPRA has spent almost $60million on new streetscapes, public open space, public art and upgrading roads and parks in New Northbridge.  Across the project, this is expected to attract private development of approximately $300million, resulting in 460 new residences for 1,250 people and 70,000sqm of new retail and commercial space for 3,500 workers.

EPRA’s plans for William Street include renovating, conserving and leasing 11 heritage buildings between Roe and Aberdeen Streets and developing key sites. The plan will ensure the heritage value of the area is conserved while attracting more visitors and investment to the area.

EPRA CEO Tony Morgan said a revitalised William Street would balance the need for urgent investment in building upgrades with the growth of the area and the needs of the existing community.

“This is a great opportunity for local businesses and independents to tap into Northbridge’s growing residential, visitor, and commuter populations and benefit from all the inner city regeneration projects happening in the area,” Mr Morgan said.

“EPRA’s New Northbridge project is almost complete and has brought some 1,200 new residents and 3,500 new workers to the area. As well as this, work on The Link project, the $60million TAFE development and the new State Theatre Centre are all under way.”

The 19 tenancies will be released in a staged approach and range in size from 30sqm to 850sqm, on basement, ground and first floor levels. Most have street frontage, large shop front window display areas, wooden floorboards and high ceilings.

Leasing will be conducted via an open, public process and applications will be assessed on a number of criteria, including how well the new business fits with the vision for the area.

“These buildings have become very rundown and in need of urgent works,” Mr Morgan said.

“As a State Government agency EPRA has a responsibility to strike a balance between improving the area for the benefit of the community as a whole and retaining the existing urban culture of William Street.

“The commercial revenue from these buildings will not only allow EPRA to conserve this important heritage area and upgrade facilities but also subsidise low cost spaces for arts organisations and creative businesses.

“EPRA is offering all of the existing arts organisations subsidised tenancies, and while rents will increase, the cost of space is still very reasonable compared to other artist spaces in the city.

“EPRA is also investing a significant amount of money in building improvements and attracting more visitors to the area which will benefit these organisations, as well as the community as a whole, by creating a more vibrant, diverse and safer Northbridge.”

During the renovation period EPRA has been providing free and subsidised spaces to community and arts organisations including: WAMI live recording studio and art exhibition; Arterial Collective drawing and illustration exhibition; and Awesome Arts workshops.

Upcoming events in William Street include the Outskirts program which is part of the Perth Fashion Festival and the Tura Totally Huge New Music Festival.

Conservation and upgrade works to the buildings will occur over the next six to eight months, with most of the works planned to be completed around the same time as the opening of the new State Theatre Centre in 2010.

Leasing applications are open from today.  For more information visit www.williamst.com.au