William Street to be revitalised.

Urban redevelopment authority EPRA will give the eastern side of William Street a facelift to attract more people to the area and provide a boost to the city’s cultural precinct.

CEO Tony Morgan said William Street was set to become an inner city destination built on the area’s reputation for retail, emerging fashion, cultural diversity and cuisine.

“William Street is an important link between Northbridge, the Perth Cultural Centre and the CBD and could be one of the most vibrant parts of our city,” Mr Morgan said.

Under the plan for William Street, 16 EPRA-owned buildings will be renovated, opening up a range of new commercial and retail space.

Mr Morgan said William Street is a registered State Heritage Precinct and contained the largest group of commercial buildings north of the railway line.

“Many of the buildings have not had any significant investment since the late 20th century and will benefit from sensitive restoration such as conserving heritage façades, upgrading basic facilities, and renovating internal spaces,” he said.

“Renovations will open up more retail space but it is also important that we get the right mix of retail, creative and residential uses that will enhance the area’s unique urban culture and keep the area buzzing day and night.

“We don’t want to lose the unique feel of William Street so some lower cost upstairs studio space will be kept for creative uses.

William Street works are due to start in early 2009 and will be staged over the next 18 months, with the bulk of works planned to be completed around the same time as the opening of the new State Theatre Centre in mid-2010.

The City of Perth and the Town of Vincent are also investing in broader William Street with landscaping and widened footpaths.

For more information visit www.williamst.com.au.