The rise of East Perth

East Perth is a bit of a must visit these days. Trimmed with posh abodes , lovely river side walks, great schools and a helping of gorgeous little eateries, it’s easy to see why so many people flock here of a weekend to enjoy the laid back lifestyle.

I’m told that, years ago, East Perth was at the bottom of the pile in terms of desirable living. Tainted with its industrial past – it was home to gas works, a power station, engine sheds and a railway yard – Perthites snubbed its grayness in exchange for more happening areas like Cottesloe, Mount Lawley, Highgate and Fremantle.

This reputation held strong as the builders moved in and renovated the old buildings in to modern residential units, though I imagine those who disregarded it during the redevelopment phase must be kicking themselves with regret now (whilst the savvy investors who took a punt laugh smugly into their Dom Perignon’s).

The target of a multi-million dollar urban renewal project, East Perth is considered prime real estate territory these days. Homes have apparently tripled in the last decade and residents put on an interesting display of wealth - rocking up on their boats at Claisebrook Cove for morning tea, riding the Swan on jet skis, strolling around the renovated park lands with little dogs sporting the latest hair accessory…there’s undoubtedly plenty of $$$$ in this part of town.  

The selling point for us is the river walks, great bike trails, the views from the hill at Claisebrook and coffee at The Partisan. If money were no object, I imagine we’d sail across to Burswood for lunch at Nobu, frequent the beautiful Restaurant Amuse (the best degustation menu in town – so I’m told) and enjoy Horse racing and gala days at Gloucester Park….

Those with an appreciation of dilapidated buildings will enjy the old Western Power building – a knackered old shack of a tower that to me is something quite beautiful. Tall, disheveled and slightly askew, there must be thousands of great stories held within those wonky four walls, though it sits on prime real estate land which can mean only one thing – it is doomed for demolition in exchange for yet another run of executive homes with names like ‘The Sebel Residence’ or ‘Claisebrook Towers’.

Hopefully the East Perth Development Authority will stand firm on this one and recommend an art house cinema, library or gallery. Only time will tell…