Northbridge Piazza

Type of Project

Local Government Initiative, Placemaking

State

Western Australia

Location

Urban

The Northbridge Piazza is located on the site of a once run down eating hall in Northbridge. It is now a multi-purpose entertainment area with a cafe, a community building, an outdoor LED screen, landscaped area and a distinctive Ololo mural.

A placemaking transformation

The corner of James and Lake Street has been transformed into a 24-hour entertainment space. The Northbridge Piazza is used for free dance and exercise classes, TEDTalks, acting lessons, free movies and performances. The various groups and individuals using the space are actively contributing to the new vision of Northbridge which is “a place for the community; a place people want to visit”. The Northbridge Piazza has helped establish a new sense of place for Northbridge and has encouraged increased community activity at the same time.

The City of Perth's 2003 – 2007 Northbridge Action Plan identified an increase in the following indicators for an improved Northbridge:

• Urban improvements in the public domain,
• Daytime activity levels,
• Balance and mix of activities by both day and night, and
• Visitation recorded by traders and organisations, evidenced by pedestrian surveys.

The community identified a vision for Northbridge to be Perth’s premier cultural and entertainment hub, a magnet for visitors, creating a cosmopolitan neighbourhood. The community wanted creative industries to be able to flourish alongside the existing key State cultural assets.

The design and location of the Northbridge Piazza supports this vision and contributes to the success of Northbridge.

• The lighting of the space has been specifically designed for safety and atmosphere with flood lighting in certain areas and mood lighting in others.
• Well-tended grass and landscaping attracts visitors to relax in the piazza, while quality paving provides a more robust surface in the high pedestrian traffic areas.
• A number of clean well-maintained beanbags are provided for those arriving early to events, enticing visitors into the space.
• A cafe overlooking the space offers not only a destination, but also enhanced surveillance of the piazza, encouraging a diversity of visitors.
• Built form sleeves two sides of the open space to provide an outdoor theatre experience. 

A carefully considered program of free events attract a diverse range of people to the piazza, including:

• Local musicians,
• TEDTalks,
• Acting lessons,
• Televised sporting events,
• Food festivals,
• Family ‘Piazzarama Northbridge’ events, and
• 24 hour creative presentations, movies and news.

The Northbridge Piazza is not just a place managed by the local authority; it is a space that can be hired for cultural and creative performances providing an opportunity for integration with the community.

Project team

• City of Perth 

Project Cost

Ongoing