PLANS for a Northam shopping and community hub were officially launched earlier this month along with the state’s first solar powered carpark.
Works for Perdaman Group’s $15 million redevelopment of the Northam Boulevard Shopping Centre are set to start.
It involves merging Northam Boulevard and Northam Arcade for the hub, which includes a new medical centre, revitalised shopping mall and improved retail spaces.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWPerdaman bought the shopping centre for $14 million in 2014 to create the community precinct and have since bought neighbouring properties and Shire land for the project.
Part of the redevelopment includes WA’s largest solar power installation.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan launched the project last Tuesday and unveiled the already completed solar powered carpark with its 900 solar panels providing 40 per cent of the shopping centre’s annual electricity requirements.
Perdaman chair Vikas Rambal said it paved the way for future use of solar powered carparks around WA.
“The new solar car park provides much needed shade for shoppers but also turns the space into a revenue generating piece of infrastructure,” Mr Rambal said.
He said their aim was for the Northam Boulevard to become the new heart of the town and a place for tourists to visit and relax.
“We believe shopping centres like Northam Boulevard can become so much more for local communities,” he said.
“This is a very exciting time for Northam as this redevelopment breathes new life into a well-known and iconic part of the community.
“It will no doubt provide opportunities for new jobs and be a huge boost to the local economy.”
Perdaman Group also owns Port Coogee Village Shopping Centre in North Coogee with plans to target other regional centres across WA.
MORE: Mark McGowan announces inquiry into former State Government’s projects
MORE: Parking key to residents foiling McDonald’s behind Guildford Hotel