"We've lost our gathering space": Voices from North Perth residents on closure of beloved community hall

For Rosie Tan, the Northbridge Community Centre has been more than just a building—it's been her lifeline. For the past six years, the 67-year-old has attended tai chi classes twice a week at the venue on Lake Street, a routine that kept her active and connected after her husband passed away.

"When they told us the centre would close for two years, I didn't know what to do," Tan said, sitting on a bench outside the shuttered hall last week. "It's not just exercise. I see my friends here. We chat, we laugh. Now, where do we go?"

The closure, announced in April, affects thousands of residents across North Perth and East Perth who depend on the facility's programs, from after-school care and youth workshops to seniors' fitness classes and community events. Management cited urgent structural repairs and facility upgrades as the reason for the extended shutdown, beginning July 1.

The decision has sparked concerns among local stakeholders. According to data from the City of Perth, the centre served approximately 12,000 visitors annually before the pandemic, with usage rising 23 percent by 2025 as the neighbourhood recovered and expanded.

At nearby Beatty Park Leisure Centre on Vincent Street, staff report a surge in inquiries from residents seeking alternative venues. However, the facility's manager acknowledged capacity constraints. "We're doing our best to absorb demand, but we can't replace what the community centre offers," said centre coordinator David Ho.

Parents are equally frustrated. Jenny Okonkwo, who picks up her two children from after-school care at the centre, faces childcare complications when the closure begins. "I work full-time. Finding alternative care at short notice is nearly impossible and expensive," she explained.

The City of Perth has promised pop-up programs at sites including Northbridge Primary School and the Highgate Library, but residents say these temporary measures don't replicate the centre's accessibility or comprehensive offerings.

Local councillor Maria Hassan acknowledged the disruption during a recent community forum. "We understand the frustration," she said, adding that the council is exploring interim solutions, including extended subsidies for residents using alternative venues.

For now, Tan and hundreds like her wait, hoping the promised renovations will restore a space that means far more to North Perth than just square footage and facilities—it means community itself.

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