REVEALED: Plan to change Northbridge's ‘dirty' reputation
A $17 million plan to overcome Northbridge's 'dark, dirty and dangerous reputation' has been endorsed by the City of Perth council.
The City of Perth's James Street revitalisation plan encompasses the street from William Street to Fitzgerald Street and envisages new lighting and footpaths, more day and night activities and reduced traffic speeds.
The council voted unanimously at its meeting last night to release the plan for public comment.
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It includes planting about 30 new trees, widening footpaths to increase space for pedestrians by 40 per cent, traffic calming measures, improving connections with the Perth Cultural Centre and activating the street for both day and night activities.
New lighting will be installed aiming to improve safety, security and wayfinding.
Low speed treatments are planned for the Lake Street and Melbourne Street intersections.
Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said Northbridge was an important part of the city and James Street was the 'cultural artery' of Northbridge. Wider footpaths are part of a plan to revitalise James Street. Credit: cop
He said the concept plan would turn James Street into a 'vibrant, walkable and culturally rich' area.
It included an extra 2000sqm of footpath space for alfresco dining and performance space, improved shading and better lighting.
'This is a strong plan but good consultation will make it even better,' Cr Reynolds said.
Cr Steve Wellard said James Street was one of the city's most 'infamous' night-time economy hot spots but needed a change.
He said private property owners needed to support the city's efforts.
'Over time it's become tired-looking, overrun by traffic with little street activation and dimly lit passageways,' he said.
'We have a generational opportunity for positive change that can help shake the dark, dirty and dangerous reputation this night strip has quite unfairly been given over time. It aims to create a well-lit, safe space for dining, performances and late night activities. Credit: City of Perth
'Think how great it would be if the likes of the Brass Monkey Hotel returned to the tuckpointed glory of its Great Western Hotel origins, if Nick's Lane was a well-lit pedestrian walkway complete with Chinese gates and lanterns or Wilson's car park was resurfaced with clearly marked and lit pedestrian thorough fares and street art.'
Cr Liam Gobbert endorsed the plan for being more than a 'lick of paint and a few new benches'.
He said everyone had had an experience with that part of the city.
'Maybe it's where you met your now partner on a spontaneous night out or you might have been celebrating a birthday, a buck's or a hen's,' Cr Gobbert said.
'All of our major Australian cities have their night-time precincts; Northbridge is ours, we own it and this is a way to improve that for future generations.'
James Street's last upgrade was in 2006.
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