11/7/07
More than 70 developers and hotel operators from around the world have expressed an interest in bringing Perth's Old Treasury Buildings back to life.
Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts, who recently called for Expressions of Interest in developing a vision for the city's heritage precinct, said the response had been overwhelming.
Mrs Roberts said the opportunity to develop this remarkable site was a once in a lifetime chance to forever change the face of Perth and preserve our valuable heritage.
"The Old Treasury Buildings have been a landmark of the Perth CBD for over a century, and their renaissance is an important part of the next chapter in their remarkable history," she said.
"This will be an iconic development providing world class facilities for Western Australia which will be internationally recognised."
Addressing an information session for the property industry today, the Minister said it was time to bring people, and life, back into the Old Treasury Buildings.
The State Government is seeking Expressions of Interest from the private sector to assist with the commencement of the regeneration of a heritage precinct redevelopment in the Perth CBD, including the construction of a new building and the regeneration of the Old Treasury Buildings.
Today's briefing session was attended by a cross-section of the commercial property industry, including representatives from India, Singapore, China and Europe, as well as local and interstate developers.
"The level of interest shown in today's session is an indication of the immense significance of this project," Mrs Roberts said.
The Minister reiterated that preference would be given to the development of a luxury five or six star hotel or mixed-use development of hotel/office or hotel/residential complex that integrates the heritage structure with the new development.
"It is expected this type of development will be similar to highly successful developments in four other capital cities: Sydney's Customs House, Brisbane's Treasury Building, the Melbourne GPO Building and the Adelaide Treasury Building," she said.
"The Perth CBD contains many of the city's most significant heritage buildings on the space of just a few hundred square metres, many of which we just drive or walk past every day without giving them a second thought.
"Buildings such the Supreme Court, Government House and Ballroom, Council House, St George's Cathedral, St Andrews Hall and the Perth Concert Hall are all significant in the political, legal, cultural and social history of Western Australia.
"I think everyone at the briefing session today would agree that Perth's Old Treasury Buildings present a huge range of possibilities, and the potential to be an incredibly rewarding project."
Minister's office - 9213 6600
