The Ongoing Evolution of Perth – the City and Beyond

Elizabeth Quay

Western Australia's capital city Perth is undergoing the biggest transformation in its history, with a flurry of major infrastructure projects and new openings changing the physical make-up of the city.

Several multi-million dollar public and private investments are underway in the city, including the $584 million redevelopment of Perth's Old Treasury Buildings, part of the Cathedral Square precinct, which will be home to a new luxury hotel by Singapore's Como Hotels and Resorts, due to open in September 2015.

The Cathedral Square precinct will also house a new office tower, the new City of Perth Library, St George's Chambers, an upgrade to St George's Plaza plus new commercial and public spaces. A unique rooftop restaurant housed in a glass box is one of the many new restaurants soon to open, along with new bars and retail outlets.

Currently 11 projects and more than 2,400 rooms are committed to enter the Perth hotel market between 2015 and 2018, including the construction of The Ritz Carlton at Elizabeth Quay – a $2.6 billion project that will feature a 2.7 hectare inlet surrounded by a split level promenade, new public spaces, shops, cafes, restaurants and exciting entertainment venues.

Perth's bar and dining scene has also received a significant expansion – spurred by the change to the liquor licensing laws in 2007 – the CBD and inner city villages of Mount Lawley, Northbridge, Leederville and Subiaco are brimming with new bars, cafes and restaurants.

Some of the new names to come online in the last 12 months include Pleased to Meet You, Old Faithful, Brika, Lot 20, The Standard Bar and Kitchen, Darlings Supper Club, Joes Juice Joint and Sneaky Tony's.

And it's not just restaurants and bars that are pleasing Perth locals and visitors; food trucks have also started appearing on the streets, signalling another new trend for the city. Their presence is so popular, it prompted a local foodie and entrepreneur to start what is anticipated to be an annual affair – the Food Truck Rumble. A gathering of some of the city's best 'street food' trucks in the one place; the event has so far proven itself to so far be one of the city's favourite food events.

Then there are the night markets and other food events which have popped up in the central business district (CBD) and urban villages – including the City of Perth's Twilight Hawkers Markets, Perth City Farm Markets, Homegrown in the City, Beaufort Street Markets and events such as Eat Drink Perth and Taste of Perth.

And all of that is just the tip of the iceberg. In the next few years Perth will be home to a brand new billion-dollar waterfront development, new underground train line and revitalised public open space linking Nortbridge and the CBD, sports stadium, transformed Perth Airport, a new museum, outdoor community spaces and several new hotels.