$100,000 event grants on offer to revitalise Perth CBD and Northbridge

The Western Australian Government has announced a new $12 million package aimed at revitalising the Perth CBD and Northbridge.

It comes after the Government yesterday announced the easing of restrictions from 12.01am Friday (29th April) to baseline measures, which includes mask wearing encouraged but no longer mandatory and the removal of the two square metre rule for venues.

The package is headlined by a new $4 million event grants program, which will be offering funding of up to $100,000 for eligible businesses, property owners and not-for-profits to run a wide range of events such as markets, long-table dinners, live music performances and food and wine events.

As part of the grants program, successful recipients will be able to apply to the State Government for the use of locations such as Elizabeth Quay, Yagan Square and the Cultural Centre Precinct.

$7 million will be invested in activating and revitalising Yagan Square. The funding will include a significant revamp of the Market Hall precinct, with the Government announcing award-winning Western Australian hospitality operator Nokturnl as the preferred proponent to reinvigorate the Market Hall at Yagan Square, with a proposal that will see a vibrant new destination created in the heart of the CBD.

Nokturnl operates a number of venues in Perth including Old Synagogue in Fremantle and The Beaufort in Mount Lawley.

$1 million will also be provided to not-for-profit organisation Activate Perth, which works with entrepreneurs and small businesses to activate empty and unused building spaces throughout the CBD.

The event grants will be available for 12 months from 1st July through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, with applications opening next month.

The State will undertake an awareness campaign, providing information to eligible applicants on how they can access event grants.

WA Premier Mark McGowan noted "we are helping bring vibrancy, activity and fun to our City.

"Our upcoming State Budget includes a number of initiatives to increase foot traffic and breathe new life into the CBD and Northbridge by offering financial support for events, revitalising unused spaces and revamping Yagan Square.

"There are so many fantastic places in the CBD and Northbridge - whether it be for dinner, an after-work drink or a night out on the town.

"With the easing of health measures from this Friday, I encourage those that can to support businesses in the CBD and Northbridge as they recover from COVID-19."

Image: Yagan Square. Credit: Tourism WA