Last month, environmental consultancy Outback Ecology and MWH Global moved into renovated 1960s premises on 41 Bishop Street, Jolimont.
‘We were very happy to sign a long 10-year lease,’ MWH country manager Chris Sprod said. ‘However, as we are a global organisation, we will have many people visiting from around the world and it is unfortunate the nearest accommodation is in West Perth.
‘Actively encouraging and increasing short-stay accommodation would be so valuable.’
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READ NOWA proposed $95 million development at the Ace Cinemas site on Hay Street, which included a nine-storey four-star hotel, was rejected because of its height by the City of Subiaco and Metro West Development Assessment Panel in May. The appeal with the State Administrative Tribunal goes to mediation on August 9.
D2 Property managing director Ian Day, representing the owners of the former Pavilion Market site, said the closure of Quest apartments had reduced the already limited availability of short-stay accommodation in Subiaco.
‘Our plans for the Pavilion Market site include 93 short stay suites,’ Mr Day said. ‘So it comes as no surprise to us that there are businesses watching with bated breath the success of our project.’
He said the development would deliver a permanent visitor population to the town centre and increase commercial activity.
Subiaco Business Association president Geoff Parnell said the best use of the land along the Subiaco railway station was accommodation and apartments.
‘Subiaco’s great location in itself doesn’t make it work, you’ve got to have vibrant main street atmosphere created by people living, working and staying in the Subiaco CBD,’ Mr Parnell said.’