Rejuvenation of Perth's business heart under way

9/8/07
Construction is under way on a new multi-million dollar commercial and retail development that will rise above the new underground railway platforms on William Street and rejuvenate a neglected part of the central business district.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said today that works at 140 William Street marked the start of the Government's vision to lead the revival of the business heart of Perth.
"The $200million project will set new standards in commercial building in Western Australia because of its exceptional quality of design, sustainability measures and integration with heritage values," Ms MacTiernan said.
"In particular, this will include construction of WA's first five-star Green Star rated office building that will set new standards in energy and water efficiency and waste management.
"Within three years, the area will incorporate the busiest shopping and retail precinct in Perth, as well as a vital commuter hub with more than 50,000 passengers passing through the underground station daily."
The Minister said the Evolution Consortium, headed by Cbus Property, had paid the State Government a deposit of more than $2.4million to take possession of the site and start works. The balance of $22million will be paid on completion of the development, expected in early 2010.
Cbus, which was awarded the contract late last year to purchase and privately develop the site, is required to comply with all planning and heritage approval processes.
"The new precinct will be bound by Wellington Street, Forrest Place and Murray Street Mall," she said.
"It will include a three-tiered, high rise building of six, 15 and 20 storeys and refurbished heritage buildings which provide approximately 36,000sqm of office space and 8,000sqm of retail space.
"Fully restored, the Wellington building, the original Globe Hotel and the Baird's Building in Wellington Street, along with the facade of the Mitchell buildings, will be woven into the new development."
Ms MacTiernan said the State Government had made a pre-commitment to lease 22,000sqm for Government offices for 15 years and, as a result, had achieved a very good rate for quality commercial space in an accessible location.
Perth MLA John Hyde said this exciting project would magnify the CBD's position as the city's premier destination for shopping, business and employment.
"This project, along with other developments planned nearby are part of the exciting transformation of Perth into an important city in national, as well as global terms," Mr Hyde said.
BACKGROUND NOTE
140 William Street - Environmental Impact

Perth's first five-star Green Star building (under the Green Building Council of Australia rating system) will set a new benchmark in sustainability in buildings in Perth.

• Around 19 per cent less emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, over and above current industry best practice;
• It provides the equivalent savings of 108 houses or removing 91 cars from the roads;
• Low energy light systems that modulate based on the strength of daylight outside;
• Lift systems that count the actual number of people in the building and reduce air quantities to match the occupancy;
• High efficiency air-conditioning systems that recover waste heat from the building;
• Uses captured wastewater from showers and basins and recycles this through the building's form and facade to minimise the amount of heat that the building absorbs from the atmosphere, and to allow the building to lose heat and 'breathe' naturally;
• Features winter gardens on the western facades to treat high intensity solar loads, and extensive roof gardens to enhance the biodiversity across the development.
• Offers tenants a modern and environmentally sustainable workplace with the added convenience of being immediately adjacent to transport and civic amenities.

As well as achieving the five-star rating from the Green Building Council, the development will be built and operated at a 4.5-star rating under the Australian Building Greenhouse Rating scheme.
This brings significant energy savings and emissions of carbon dioxide over current industry best practice buildings.

William Street Ariel view

William Street Northside view.

Minister's office - 9213 6400