Towards 2036

Gehl’s work has redefined Perth over the last 30 years. With our City population soaring towards 55,000 residents by 2036, Gehl’s next instalment is set to shape our liveable Perth of tomorrow.

This project builds upon the previous Public Spaces and Public Life studies for Central Perth conducted in 1994 and 2009 by renowned Danish architect Jan Gehl.

Gehl’s 1994 study analysed the quality of our public spaces and how people used them, establishing comparative benchmarks and methods for measuring improvements over time. It provided recommendations for the future development of the Perth city centre, challenging the City to make definitive urban changes to reduce car dominance, improve walkability, and celebrate the city’s unique location and relationship with the Swan River.

Implementation of many of the recommendations led to significant improvements in Perth’s public realm and public life in Central Perth, including the development of the Cathedral Square precinct as we know it today.

Returning in 2009, Gehl’s 2009 study evaluated progress against the 1994 recommendations, reset benchmarking against other Australian cities and abroad, and delivered new recommendations for enhancing public life in Perth.

These recommendations have propelled the development of our city’s public realm in ways that are continuing today, including the realisation of Elizabeth Quay, the development of Perth City Link, and the recent work on the Perth Riverfront Masterplan.

With the City’s strong ambition to grow our residential population, it’s a pivotal time to welcome Gehl back to analyse our progress, and further define how we can work together with key stakeholders to maximise our public realm and public life in Central Perth, for an even more liveable and sustainable City of Light in 2036.

What’s next?

The project has commenced, with Gehl working to benchmark the city and measure progress made since the 2009 study.

Stakeholder engagement activities will be conducted early in 2025, with an analysis report expected in the first half of the year.

If you would to pre-register interest, you can do so by emailing info.city@cityofperth.wa.gov.au.