Plans to develop a billion-dollar World Trade Centre for Perth’s central business district have progressed, with the Western Australian government offering principle support to the project.
Woods Bagot is behind the design of the two-tower mixed-use development which has now moved through to a Stage Two detailed assessment phase under the federal government’s unsolicited bids policy.
The proposal includes the construction of two towers, 36 and 75 levels respectively, with associated commercial/retail, residential and recreational facilities on 1.9 hectares of land between the Perth and McIver train stations.
It has been proposed through an unsolicited bid process which allows the private sector to pitch for the purchase or lease of State-owned land on an exclusive, non-competitive basis to facilitate a specific development proposal.
The project’s design is likely to undergo changes throughout the variety of development stages and feasibility assessments, but is has thus far won over Barnett who called it an iconic architectural design.
Perth’s Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi has also endorsed the project on behalf of the City Council.
"This is wonderful news for Perth and its economy as it will generate job opportunities and over A$100 million annually in significant trade revenue", she says.
Perth property specialist and World Trade Centre Perth Business Development Director, Neil Kidd will manage the Perth centre’s commercial activities and says the location for a WTC in the WA capital is ideal given its geographical location.
"Given our proximity to China, India and Japan and Perth’s friendly time zones, we are strategically located to take full advantage of this opportunity", he says.
There are 330 licenced WTCs in over 90 countries which operate under the WTC brand, including one in Melbourne.
Images: Woods Bagot
