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Brand Perth: The West Australian readers’ ideas that could transform City of Perth

Charlotte EltonThe West Australian
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How would you transform the City of Perth?
Camera IconHow would you transform the City of Perth?

An indigenous cultural centre, a cross-city cable car, and a massive inner-city market.

We asked you to tell us what you think Perth needs – and you delivered.

Last week, The West Australian urged readers to have their say on the future of our capital city and State.

Hundreds answered the call. Their bold, surprising, and often off-beat ideas will help shape the upcoming “Brand Perth” summit, a brainstorming session convened by Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas.

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An artist's impression of what a cable car between Elizabeth Quay and Kings Park might look like, according to the WA Tourism Council.
Camera IconAn artist's impression of what a cable car between Elizabeth Quay and Kings Park might look like, according to the WA Tourism Council. Credit: Supplied, unknown

A Perth indigenous cultural centre would be “a totally unique world attraction,” wrote reader Margaret King — one of dozens of people to write in with the suggestion. One reader, Magda Bay, claimed that an “open air” cultural centre on Heirrison island would “bring Perth to life,” while others backed the convention centre as the ideal venue.

Wherever it is, readers may soon get their wish: In February, Premier Mark McGowan pledged $50 million to a First Nations cultural centre, promising completion by 2029.

It wasn’t the only big idea to gain traction. More than 30 readers called for the construction of a gondola between Kings Park and Elizabeth Quay, an idea that has intermittently resurfaced since the early 1990s.

“It would be a beautiful attraction for visitors and WA people alike,” enthused Gail Hayden from Baldivis.

Some daring readers wanted the cable-car extended even further, with multiple people asking that it reach across the river to the zoo. Mark from Falcon suggested it run from Kings Park to the 47th floor of the Rio Tinto building.

Many people wanted markets in the city – either in the CBD, in Langley Park, or on the Esplanade.

“[We need] a permanent undercover market with stalls” said Diane from Swan view.

“Look to Adelaide’s central markets, great food and veg… always crowded and vibrant. Just change Yagan Square,” another reader urged.

Fresh produce, fish, meat, cheese, gourmet meals, flowers: readers want to be able to buy them direct, right in the heart of the city.

Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne.
Camera IconQueen Victoria Market in Melbourne. Credit: Tony Gough/News Corp Australia

Other ideas included an 11-storey black swan on the river bank, “hundreds” of water buses and taxis, and high speed trains to Geraldton and Albany. Erwin Reiter from Vic Park sent in his Perth song about our “bright light city.”

All of these ideas — and hundreds more — will be delivered to the Brand Perth forum on July 2.

Today, The West Australian can today reveal four new forum members.

Maryna Fewster, CEO of 7West Media will rub shoulders with Lonnie Bossie, CEO of Crown Perth. CEO of Perth Airport Kevin Brown will attend, as will Dixie Marshall, MD of Perth marketing agency Marketforce.

“I am extremely excited, it’s a fantastic initiative,” Mr Brown said.

“We are a great place - everybody who lives and work and play here know that. But we have to work out how to promote and differentiate ourselves to people who don’t know.”

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