Community Action Plan
Development of Albany Highway strip Challenges
Community Voices “Not letting the Albany Highway strip wither as has occurred in Subiaco, Mt Lawley and Leederville.”
• Restaurant strip is tired • Increasing commercial rents • Empty shops and growing vacancies • Disconnection between east and west • ‘Ugly’ car yards
“Ensuring we don't have issues like Subiaco and Mount Lawley where businesses that are responsible for improving the vibrancy of the area aren't priced out of the area once a location becomes vibrant due to increased rent, etc.” “If the town increased the amount of retail, cafes and pubs/clubs along the strip it would be "the place" in Perth. Many migrants who come to Perth always ask what is the best place and Victoria Park strip has a chance to become the hub.” “Focus on any measures to ensure the growth of the hospitality and nightlife along Albany Highway so Victoria Park becomes the go-to area (like Mount Lawley once was).”
Community Driven Actions 1. Create a long-term plan for the strip, addressing use of the car yard sites and how to connect the east and west precincts 2. Continue to support revitalisation strategies to put life back into the area and become know as the preferred entertainment hub
3. Attract, support and retain local businesses, including start-ups 4. Increase the diversity of the retail mix
“I'd love to diversify the mix of offerings on the cafe strip (Albany Highway) - there are so many restaurants and cafes, particularly for anyone who loves Asian food, but small bars would be welcome as would more clothing boutiques.” “The entertainment precinct. Trying to join the eastern end to the west. There is a large void in between with closed down car yards and empty offices. Closing off the busiest parts to cars on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.” “There are several large vacant blocks and ugly "car yards" along Albany Highway which hopefully will be replaced by nice developments in the near future.” “Try to re-capture Albany Highway as a vibrant retail shopping, hospitality strip. Use Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane as examples for inner strip shopping areas. They don’t have car yards located along their major tourist, hospitality and retail shopping strips.” “Encourage start ups or have a space for emerging/new business to keep the area new and exciting.”
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