The City of Perth Council met on Tuesday 9 December. The following decisions were made:

Heritage Adaptive Reuse Grant – 30 iParks Pty Ltd

Council approved a $1 million Heritage Adaptive Reuse Grant to revitalise Barrack Street’s iconic Bon Marché Arcade.

The grant program supports property owners to activate vacant or underutilised upper-floor and basement spaces within heritage buildings, demonstrating the City's long-term commitment to reactivating Perth’s heritage assets.

The grant was awarded to 30 iParks Pty Ltd to support the transformation of the arcade into a short-stay accommodation facility.

The Bon Marché redevelopment will help generate economic and cultural benefits for the Barrack Street precinct, supporting local businesses, increasing visitation and adding vibrancy to the area.

For more information, read the media release or visit the Sponsorships and Grants page.

Business Events Perth and Study Perth sponsorships

Council also approved $120,000 in sponsorship agreements for Business Events Perth and Study Perth, under the City’s Economic Development Sponsorship program.

The program supports businesses and sectors that position the city as a thriving centre for commerce, boost investment flows, generate employment, facilitate economic growth, profile local industries and promote thought leadership.

The funding for Business Events Perth will support the Re-aWAken Mega Famil 2026, which aims to promote and attract national and international business events to Perth and Western Australia.

Study Perth will use the funding to support a new initiative that showcases Perth as a study destination of choice, strengthens recruitment partnerships and promotes Perth to international students.

Proposed helipad in West Perth

Following a thorough assessment, Council refused an application for a private helipad in Ord Street, West Perth.

Under the City Planning Scheme, the Metropolitan Region Scheme and State planning regulations, the proposal did not meet the standards required for approval, failing to demonstrate that the noise and vibration from helicopter movements could be effectively managed or mitigated to protect the amenity of neighbouring residents.

West Perth is earmarked for significant residential growth, with an additional 2,261 dwellings needed to meet population targets. A private helipad in an office-residential precinct has the potential to detrimentally impact future residential development and limit the development potential of nearby sites.

During the 28-day consultation period, 33 submissions were made to the City. Of these submissions, 29 opposed the proposal, raising concerns about noise, vibration, safety, amenity and the lack of any clear community benefit.

While the applicant’s proposal suggested the helipad would be used infrequently for corporate transport, it would be extremely difficult for the City to monitor or enforce strict limits on its use once approved. And unlike emergency or hospital landing facilities, this proposal offers no broader benefit to the community.

Final concept plan for Hay Street two-way conversion

The final concept plan for the conversion of Hay Street from Elder to Thomas streets to two-way traffic was approved by Council. 
It is the final section of the road to be converted, marking the completion of Hay Street’s transition to two-way traffic as part of the City’s commitment to prioritising pedestrians and place making.

The design:

  • Allows vehicles to turn right into the city from the Mitchell Freeway exit ramp, reducing pressure on other freeway entry routes
  • Allows the CAT bus to operate in both directions along Hay Street
  • Enhances safety for pedestrians, with shorter crossing distances at intersections and a Principal Shared Path connection at George Street.

The concept plan will progress to detailed design in early 2026.

For more information, see the 9 December Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda.