James Street Revitalisation

The street is synonymous with good times, diversity, hospitality and entertainment. But a vibrant day and night-time economy creates ongoing considerations around public amenity, cleanliness, and safety.

With nearby recreational and entertainment areas in Russell Square and the Perth Cultural Centre undergoing their own revitalisation projects, its timely to review James Street’s streetscape, public amenity and use, to ensure this important thoroughfare continues to enhance the experience of residents and visitors to the City of Light.

What does the James Street Revitalisation project entail?

The project will consider the span from Fitzgerald Street to the James Street Mall.

The City is consulting community on the use of James Street and their aspirations for its future. Community engagement to date has involved an online survey in November 2024 via Engage Perth, which gathered general feedback about the use of the street – see James Street Revitalisation Survey Summary.

The top five identified priorities for future planning were:

• Enhancing perceptions of safety, lighting and passive surveillance
• Improving street cleanliness and maintenance
• Improving the street’s public spaces and amenities
• Continued activation through events, buskers, festivals and markets
• Additional street greening

Consultation, research and analysis that has been undertaken is helping to guide the development of a draft concept design for a revitalised James Street.

The development of the draft concept plan will involve continued consultation with residents, business owners, workers, visitors, and other precinct stakeholders.

What’s next?

Once the draft concept plan is finalised, it will be presented to Council for approval to commence public consultation on the plan.

Updates on the progress of the draft concept plan will be provided as they come to hand.