Perth Council Approves 2036 Growth Framework, Heritage Funding, Event Support

Perth CBD Council endorsed a pair of linked plans on 24 and 25 February to steer development through 2036, alongside targeted funding and lease decisions that directly affect East Perth and Northbridge sites.

The moves come as the city centre population continues to rise and state planners advance station precinct work. Local readers have a direct stake because the outcomes will shape building heights, street activity, heritage buildings and winter events that draw CBD workers and visitors alike.

Local projects tied to daily life

The approved lease for the Perth Bowling and Recreation Club in East Perth runs for five years with two one-year options. It requires the club to run regular activations that improve safety and amenity around the precinct while the City explores longer-term site options. At Kings Park the council committed $60,000 as a Supporting Partner for the 2026 Lightscape trail, now in its fourth year of turning the botanic gardens into an after-dark experience.

Heritage grants approved in the same meetings total more than $114,000 and go to six properties inside the CBD and Northbridge. Recipients include Cbus Property at 140 William Street, Chung Wah Association at 128 James Street and others on Hay Street Mall and Aberdeen Street. The money covers physical conservation work and professional advice on places already protected under the City’s heritage rules.

Planning documents and next steps

Two strategic documents were endorsed together. Shaping Perth City Centre, Towards 2036 and Beyond was prepared with input from the international firm Gehl and will guide growth, connections and climate resilience. It feeds directly into the Draft Perth Capital City Plan, which drew comments from more than 2,000 community members and stakeholders. Public feedback on the draft plan is now open. A separate submission was also lodged with the Western Australian Planning Commission on the draft Station Precincts Improvement Plan for Claisebrook Station, seeking better connectivity, adjusted boundaries and community infrastructure.

Compared with peer capital cities that have adopted similar long-range frameworks, Perth CBD is pairing an international design partner with a large local consultation round and immediate heritage spending. The combination keeps the focus on both big-picture urban form and day-to-day maintenance of historic fabric. Residents and property owners can review the draft Capital City Plan on the City of Perth website and lodge comments before the next formal stages. The council’s March 2026 meeting update supplies the full list of grant recipients and lease conditions.