Chinese Govt to build a new consulate office in East Perth

17/5/98

The Chinese Republic is to build a consulate office in East Perth, Planning Minister Graham Kierath announced today.

The Minister said that the development mix in the "new" East Perth would be enhanced by the Chinese decision.

The Republic's Consulate General in Perth finalised negotiations this week to buy two lots in the Quayside precinct on which new consular premises will be built.

The new building, which will replace offices in William Street, will take about 18 months to complete.

"An outstanding development at East Perth is proposed by the Chinese," Mr Kierath said.

"It has a mix of residential, office and cultural facilities and will add a new and exciting cultural dimension to the precinct.

"It will compliment the existing residential, tourism, commercial, educational and Aboriginal cultural flavour of the re-development."

Mr Kierath said building a new Consulate in East Perth would contribute to the State's on-going efforts to develop closer ties with the People's Republic of China.

"The decision by the Chinese Government to proceed with this substantial development is welcome news and adds to the work this Government is doing to develop stronger economic, social and cultural ties with China," he said.

"The agreement is a further indication of the success of the East Perth Redevelopment Authority in developing a truly diverse and integrated community and shows how much East Perth has to offer."