Shaping Perth City Centre Towards 2036 and beyond

Guiding Perth’s Development towards 2036

Gehl has collaborated with the City of Perth since 1993, undertaking Public Space Public Life (PSPL) Studies in 1993 and 2009. This long-standing partnership has informed the new vision document “Towards 2036 and Beyond”, a project designed to guide the city’s transformation over the next 10–20 years. The project provides a design-led, evidence-based framework for evolving Perth’s city centre into a more human-centred, connected, and dynamic place. It integrates with existing strategic plans and fosters collaboration across government tiers and key partners.

Over time, PSPL has played a pivotal role in adapting Perth to shifting urban eras: in 1994, PSPL helped shape the city for the emerging shopping era; in 2009, it guided the expansion of public space networks and the city’s reconnection with the river; and in 2025, PSPL continues to help Perth evolve toward a new service-, experience-, and leisure-focused era.

The document outlines a vision supported by five guiding principles and identifies five catalytic “Key Moves” — North-South Connectors, Buneenboro Loop, Living Streets, The Malls Evolution, and East-West Transit Corridors — with an implementation roadmap to enhance Perth’s appeal, investment, and livability.