Perth Council Greenlights $85M Northbridge Revitalisation as Parking Levy Plan Stalls

Perth's City of Perth council has voted to proceed with an $85 million revitalisation scheme for Northbridge, marking the week's most significant development in local government after months of planning delays.

The project, which will reshape Perth's northern cultural corridor, includes upgrades to William Street's streetscape, improved pedestrian pathways linking the Perth Cultural Centre to the Western Australian Museum, and enhanced public spaces around Northbridge Library. The unanimous council vote on Wednesday signals broad political consensus on the neighbourhood's future, though implementation timelines remain tight.

"This is a generational investment in one of Perth's most vibrant precincts," a council statement read, adding that construction phases would commence in early 2027 with completion targeted by 2030.

However, the week also brought setbacks. The council's proposed congestion pricing scheme for the CBD—designed to reduce vehicle traffic and fund public transport improvements—has been deferred following sustained community pushback. The plan would have charged drivers $5 to $8 daily to enter the city centre between 7am and 6pm, with exemptions for residents and essential services. Local business groups, including the Perth CBD Association, warned the levy could drive retail traffic to outer suburbs, where parking remains free.

"We need transport solutions that don't penalise working families," the association stated in correspondence to council this week.

The deferral leaves a $34 million transport funding gap in next financial year's budget, forcing officers to review alternative revenue sources. Options under consideration include increased rates on commercial properties and state government grants.

Separately, the council approved $2.3 million for improved cycling infrastructure along the Canning River path network, part of a broader push to encourage active transport. Works will focus on connections between the Southside precinct and the river's eastern reaches, addressing what councillors described as "critical gaps" in the existing network.

In other developments, a proposal to lease part of Langley Park to a hospitality operator for a permanent food and beverage venue drew mixed responses. The arrangement would generate estimated $180,000 annually in council revenue but sparked concerns among park users about reduced green space.

The council will reconvene on July 13 to address congestion pricing alternatives, with a final decision expected before the August recess. Meanwhile, community consultation on the Northbridge scheme launches next month, with drop-in sessions scheduled at the Perth Cultural Centre from July 15.

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