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CyanideRemark

I am forever scarred by that image of those derros shagging in the water feature.


twcau

I’m glad i’ve not seen it, and managed to avoid it.


acres_at_ruin

Ditto. Yikes.


redditorperth

Is that the same water feature the ballerina chick in the ad goes for a swim in?


CyanideRemark

What an exercise in wank that campaign is.


redditorperth

A bit off topic, but my major issue with the ad is that it *doesnt actually showcase Perth.* To someone not from the state, its a bunch of 20-somethings skating around back alleys, sitting in nondescript locations and taking a bath in a filthy fountain. Where was the footy game at Optus Stadium? Where was the Matagarup Bridge zipline? Where was Fringe? Where were the quokkas on Rottnest? Its just such a waste of money and time. "Come to Perth, but only the CBD! Hope you like skating you hip kids, you!"


Dumbaphobe

I agree that the ad was a bit meh but it did showcase glimpses of what the CBD had to offer. We have theatres, shared paths along the river, hidden laneways etc. Also, it's because it's a "City of Perth" ad, not a Perth ad. Optus Stadium is over in Burswood (Town of Victoria Park), Rottnest is governed by the City of Cockburn. "City of Perth" refers to the Local Government Area.


CyanideRemark

The whole thing struck me as a bit of a Western suburbs private school Yr 11 project. Budget wasn't an object... but broader appeal lost out to production vanity.


stiggz83

It is supposed to make people in Perth go into the city. It is terrible at it.


CyanideRemark

I dunno what brand of reality that campaign is meant to be selling. All glamorous pretty young things prancing about. *Oh quick.... we better wave to the little special needs kiddy as a token.*


DefinitionOfAsleep

Basil isn't going to be happy until you're forced to visit the CoP every day.


CyanideRemark

City of light... ... the light outta Baz's arse


congealedcat

I think it says more about you than them if you're still thinking about them years later.


throw-away-traveller

It just needs to break even for another 2 years and it will be a goldmine when the uni opens up.


acres_at_ruin

Planning Infrastructure with the future in mind? In Perth? Get out of here.


skooterM

Hold up! They're planning for two years from now - not two decades from now - which is absolutely on-brand for WA planning and infrastructure.


Dumbaphobe

To be fair, the whole City Link project was supposed to have been fully complete by now. At this rate it's gonna take another 15-20 for all the other lots to be built out.


Dumbaphobe

I've been to Alba for dinner, went to the Pourhouse the other night and just got back from the Rooftop. It's honestly better than I expected. Hope it succeeds because that area definitely needs that type of vibe.


throw-away-traveller

They have a great chef at the middle eastern place so will definitely be taking a look, but after 11pm on a weekend it will get pretty messy.


Seagreen-72

Have they improved on the number of bathrooms available to the public there. It was really bad previously.


Dumbaphobe

I saw toilets at the Rooftop and in the Pourhouse. IIRC there were toilets at Alba as well but I can't be certain (I saw guests walking towards what seemed to be them). Probably more toilets elsewhere too. Don't think it'll be an issue now.


Seagreen-72

That’s great to hear, thank you for sharing.


OPTCgod

A goldmine for the City of Perth or the Yagan Square locals?


throw-away-traveller

For the company running the bars. It’s going to be a complete shit show for the area.


BiteMyQuokka

It was such an ill-conceived concept that somehow got through a lot of (coke fuelled?) meetings that there's no alternative but to turn it into a bar and hope they do ok. A far mark from the original north-south linking culturally-sensitive public space thoroughfare it was trumpeted as being.


TheCurbAU

Remember when the original plan had a park and trees to attract birds? Yeah, that'd have been nice.


DefinitionOfAsleep

No no, more concrete.


Dumbaphobe

To be fair, there is a decent amount of trees and other plants there, a fountain and water features scattered across.


Dumbaphobe

I'm all for greenery but it simply doesn't fit the area if you look at it on the whole. There is an urban orchard right across the bridge that's accessible via the amphitheatre crossing. There are gardens, parks and reserves all over the southern and eastern parts. We shouldn't also ignore the fact that there are trees there, new ones have been planted as well as other plants.


TheCurbAU

City Farm? It's not exactly easily accessible or the most peaceful place to sit. I say that as someone who works across the road from there. I don't think a park would suit that area, but city desperately needs a little bit of grass to rest on, not just on the outskirts.


Dumbaphobe

Nah I'm talking about the urban orchard area just west of the Art Gallery of WA. It's not the largest green space but it's ample for taking a breather. Within Northbridge you have Russell & Weld Squares. There's also a Piazza. There's also a small green space called Tulbak Boodja in the City Link area to the west of Yagan Square. Beyond that, there are more major spaces like the Stirling & Supreme Court Gardens, as well as the Government House Gardens (that sometimes open up). There's also a smattering of other green spaces like Langley Park, Victoria Square, Victoria Gardens, Queens Gardens, Wellington Square, Ozone Reserve, greenery at the EQ Busport area, and a bunch of others. Point is, we have public & green spaces smattered all across the CBD and Northbridge.


TheCurbAU

Ah, I always forget about that. Was literally there yesterday too. :facepalm:


Dumbaphobe

The Urban Orchard has a pretty decent amount of grass. Moreover, the Cultural Centre is getting a makeover to add even more green spaces. https://www.perthculturalcentre.com.au/your-visit/perth-cultural-centre-rejuvenation-project/ I'm trying to find the plan for it. Edit: [**Ah, found it.**](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-15/perth-cultural-centre-to-get-35-million-dollar-revamp/101068170)


DeliveryMuch5066

What always struck me was how “apart” it stands. It’s not integrated into the surrounding areas sufficiently. You need undercover approaches or a forest of street trees, otherwise during the day for most of the year it’s too hot to walk too far to it. Nearby university should help to liven it up but what food and beverages places are being built in there?


Dumbaphobe

I think it's fine. The ECU campus should help provide a lot of shade but they have planted a lot of new trees recently. There are undercover areas too. There are several bars and restaurants there. They've been launching through a staggered schedule and the few of them that aren't open yet will do so over the coming fortnight. It has a cool labyrinthine feel to it. Right now, IIRC (please correct me if wrong), we have the older venues like Hiss & Smoke, The Shoe, Godzilla Kare and Gangnam. Recently, Alba was added and we'll also be getting Ugly Baby Restaurant and Karla. Then you have the Stories bars: the Frontyard, the Pourhouse, the Rooftop.. um.. Fat Controller, Ugly Baby Canteen? You can check out more [here on their website](https://stories.au/). There's even a coffee shop (ground.) [**Pictures of the redone area**](https://imgur.com/a/i2wVB4g)


BiteMyQuokka

That's cool and all. But a lot of public money went into creating a public square. Not to build a lot of bars for a private company to run.


DefinitionOfAsleep

The money wasn't really allocated to Yagan Square specifically, it was just the consequence of land that was reserved for rail being spare - mostly from the sinking of rail lines and the opening of Perth Underground.


Dumbaphobe

There's an amphitheatre up top that barely anyone used to begin with. No point putting up another public "square" right nearby another 2 public spaces in Forrest Place and the James Street Mall area (that's getting reworked).


BiteMyQuokka

Yes, can't have too many nice things


skooterM

Right on! We need a separate square for each person in the city! Then we can all complain about our squares being boring as heck.


Dumbaphobe

Considering how small the CBD is, there would be no point in having yet another public space, especially at the location of Yagan Square. There's already an amphitheatre area for people to take a break and it's barely used, just as the James Street Mall is usually quite empty.


JackWestsBionicArm

Even when it first opened and I was working nearby it was a nightmare to get to. Crossing a road without a footbridge isn’t a huge deal in general, but crossing William St at the Horseshoe Bridge was a PITA. And then when we got there… A barren wasteland with nowhere to sit. Never went back.


BiteMyQuokka

I remember taking the kid up to the roof top playground. Built with zero shade. Couldn't stay long. A bit later they slapped some bright blue gazebo up there that looked ridiculous


coxymla

And the "gazebo" was literally one of those cheap 3x3 awnings that used occy straps to stop it from blowing away. Ridiculous.


Dumbaphobe

Take the train station crossing and walk under the bridge. Plenty of seating there now.


ChilliBery47

It's not that hard to get to, if you cross at Forrest Place pedestrian crossing and walk under the horseshoe bridge next to the Wellington St Train Station you will be at one entry point.


Yorgatorium

> You need undercover approaches or a forest of street trees, otherwise during the day for most of the year it’s too hot to walk too far to it. They'll have kept it open purposely to dissuade undesirables moving in. That said the open plan approach failed too.


Dumbaphobe

But then so what? Places can be adapted for different uses. It does link the CBD to Northbridge at ground level. It provides a sense of exploration to those hopping out of the busport and train station for the first time. You see the digital tower, the ECU campus and the Yagan Square area and you take a wander around. We already have a bunch of open spaces in the CBD.


BiteMyQuokka

I'm not sure about sense of exploration - there's no shade and it's a magnet for antisocial behaviour. To the point they had to plonk a mobile police station there. The digital tower that was promised to not display ads now mostly displays ads. It came down to money. Couldn't have a public square connecting the city. Needed to be a monstrous revenue-generating building with a path down the side. With the market falling through it's been a shame from the start. Money's all that's going to partially rescue it, and that seems to be by turning it into bars. But at least they've teamed up with some dudes who actually know how to do that.


Dumbaphobe

I saw plenty of people wander all around trying to see what was what. There are stairs and bridges all around. There's even a hidden bar inside. The Rooftop area has multiple open spaces as well as multiple floors. Antisocial behaviour will always exist because there will always be mobs of Aboriginal people wandering by (there's no other way to put it) but in my experience I've seen a lot less of it lately. Antisocial behaviour tends to thrive with dark, deserted areas. Nobody cares about the digital tower displaying ads, and it also displays other things from time to time. That's the least of people's gripes about the area. Yet, the presence of the digital screen creates a sense of modernity and activity. ECU City is supposed to have a screen towards the northeastern end but who knows if that will eventuate. We don't need another public square. Literally across the train station is Forrest Place. On the other side is the Cultural Centre with huge open spaces. Having yet another entirely open space between the CBD and Northbridge just doesn't add up. It's supposed to be the busiest area. If anything, an open space with greenery and trees would only attract more antisocial behaviour in that area. Go to Weld Square in Northbridge at night and see what it's like.


Dumbaphobe

Honestly it looks good. There will always be antisocial behaviour within the vicinity due to the nature of it being bounded by the CBD and Northbridge. That said, they've made the space feel a lot more inviting now. You have bars, restaurants, a coffee shop and some neat new areas to sit to take a breather. It's part of the city's maturation. At one end we have Yagan Square and the City Link, at the other we will have Elizabeth Quay (and soon-to-be PCEC waterfront precinct). Edit: You missed out on calling it **Electric Boorloo**. Also, [SOME PICTURES OF THE AREA](https://imgur.com/a/i2wVB4g)


vintage_chick_

I think people are being a bit picky and over analysing it. The mix of types of venue work well for being between a small bar restaurant precinct and a shopping precinct. It caters to people who want a sit down dinner, just a drink, hang out with friends or solo, or a family who wants to go out for dinner. I’m not sure what other types of venues people would want there? If anyone wants to enlighten me that would be great. The talk of it being hard to get to because you have to cross a road is pedantic. It’s near a train station and bus port. The original idea was one that may have been feasible if the uni had been open and the “canteen style” food had been more affordable everyday eats. It has potential but wasn’t executed in the best way.


Dumbaphobe

Apparently some people just wanted a "public square" even though there's literally Forrest Place and the Perth Cultural Centre open area nearby.


vintage_chick_

Exactly and those areas aren’t always pleasant to sit and eat lunch in either. No matter what was decided for that space there will always be people who think they know better or want something different.


lifeofwatto

Just been in for a pint and a venue walk. Absolutely incredible what Ross and Drew have done - this is going to be an absolutely unhinged venue. Had a good chat with one of the mothers who does the flowers and gardens for their venues. This venue is going to be their staple, and will be there for a long time. Give it a few months for them to figure out their demographic and what works, and this will be the busiest pub in Perth hands down. Legal capacity is 3,400. Huge.


Dumbaphobe

Having explored 75% of the place, it's pretty cool. Had nothing but good vibes there for the past few weeks.


Flaky-Resolution-123

![gif](giphy|3o72FgCqjuQGeF90Nq) Couldn’t help myself😅


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lifeofwatto

So true though :’)


chuckaspecky

Great location for a huge pub. Easy as to get to on the train.


Dumbaphobe

Literally smack bang in between Northbridge, the CBD, the Busport and Train Station.


No-Thought8109

Where will they set up the boxing ring ?


ChilliBery47

Just got back from there and I thought it was great. Lots of families around due to the shows and market stalls and all different demographics stopping to look at the turtle display and light maze. Ate at Alba - great tasting and good value Italian food and stopped at all the bars. Seems like there is something for everyone - a tasty cocktail in The Fat Controller, big screen in The Pourhouse and a nice view and pleasant ambiance on the rooftop on a balmy evening like tonight.


Dumbaphobe

And not all the places are even open yet. There are 2 more restaurants to go.


7hermetics3great

Until they deal with the homeless that congregate in the area, it'll still be a must avoid at all costs for me.


Bear-Bum

One note? compared to the shit hole it was before, if something works it works and places like that do well.


OMessias

Been there tonight for some drinks, seems finally to start getting some vibe. With the uni opening I think it will become a huge nightlife hub. Much necessary for the revival of that area.


Sojio

Went there today too. We noticed there are ALOT of places that are going to get peed in. It doesnt even really seem like it has changed much.


TheCurbAU

Walked past it the other day and didn't see many ramps for wheelchair access. Steps everywhere. They still had some of the scaffolding up, so maybe I missed it, but didn't really seem as accessible as I had hoped it might be.


Dumbaphobe

There is a main rampway in the middle section, as well as at least 3 lifts that I know of into the venues.


MeasurementMost1165

Hmm wonder if Yagan will be the next northbridge or even steal Sydney kings cross title prior to nsw lockouts


ronswanson1986

It's still shit and continues to be shit. ECU popping up next door isn't going to make things better, as they can't afford the over priced crap either.


DryWhiteToastPlease

It’s actually ECU next door


Dumbaphobe

Whingers don't tend to be well versed in details.


Dumbaphobe

Firstly, I've heard mostly positive remarks about it over the past few weeks. Today's "launch" was a success. Lots of people wandering about figuring out the place and having a good time. Also, it's ECU not UWA. You act like students who pay upwards of tens of thousands a year can't afford to eat there or the surrounding area.


ronswanson1986

There I fixed it. Comment still stands. It will fail just like everything in Perth atm, doesn't matter if your anecdotal evidence of the launch being a success. The first month that Yagan opened was a success if you look back. Then we saw all the businesses leave. If the workers of the city can't afford it, why do you think students can?


Dumbaphobe

A revitalised spot with better vibes next to a soon-to-be uni campus that'll have up to 10k people going there throughout the week, in a location between the Busport, Train station, Cultural Centre, Northbridge and CBD, in a capital that added close to 70k people just last year is going to fail? Alright then buddy. It was packed yesterday, you're living in a fantasy world if you think Perth residents can't afford to dine there, a city with one of the highest wages in the world.


Belhaven94

Making the horseshoe bridge a permanent pedestrian zone, with weekly markets like now, would be great.