Construcciones Yamaro: Woods Bagot unveils adaptive reuse vision for St Martins Centre
A development application has been lodged to transform Perth’s St Martins Centre, reimagining the CBD site as a mixed-use destination with new retail, commercial, heritage and hospitality offerings.
Designed by Woods Bagot on behalf of owners St Martins Properties, the proposal centres on adaptive reuse, repositioning St Martins Centre as a diversified and connected precinct that celebrates its history while preparing it for its next chapter.
“This project represents a fundamental shift in how we think about urban renewal,” says Woods Bagot principal Eva Sue. “We’re taking three commercial buildings that have served Perth for 50 years and recasting them for future generations through a revitalisation strategy that introduces a diversified user experience.”
The architectural vision hinges on unlocking ground-level connectivity. St Martins Lane, a new north-south pedestrian link, will cut through the precinct to create permeability through the site. The existing St Georges Terrace forecourt will be transformed into an activated, landscaped entry space that welcomes the public into a series of connected experiences.
“This new link flows from a welcoming threshold on St Georges Terrace through a Conservatory Restaurant to Hay Street Mall, bridging retail, commercial and hospitality in a connected ground plane strongly supported by the City of Perth,” says Woods Bagot senior associate and project lead Michael Gay.
A 243-key lifestyle hotel at 44 St Georges Terrace will anchor activity across the precinct. Office space will be retained at the lower levels, while the building’s crown will be repositioned as a sky bar. A rooftop pool club and lifestyle facility on the new podium will overlook Hay Street Mall, adding further hospitality and activity.
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“This project is an opportunity to capture the spirit of Perth and what it’s becoming,” says Woods Bagot project architect Kristen Di Gregorio. “A lifestyle hotel in the city centre unlocks engagement with a diverse population – students, business travellers, locals. It creates a new urban experience, giving residents reasons to rediscover their own city on weekends and weeknights.”
Complementing the hotel, the proposal includes an adaptive reuse three-storey structure accommodating dining, retail and wellness functions. This contemporary insertion will sit alongside the retained heritage buildings at 611-619 and 621 Hay Street Mall: the McNess Royal Arcade (1897) and the Bridal House. Both heritage buildings will undergo internal refurbishment and adaptive reuse.
“When we talk about heritage, we’re talking about landmark and memory. We’re reinstating the arcade as an inter-precinct connector and giving it back to the public,” says Sue.
“Heritage and sustainability work hand in hand. By restoring these buildings, we’re saving significant embodied carbon while creating a finer-grain urban fabric that strengthens pedestrian connections.”
New retail tenancies at street level across 40 and 50 St Georges Terrace, the new St Martins Arcade building and the heritage structures will maintain an active relationship with the surrounding public realm.
Located within the Perth Free Transit Zone and connected to Perth and Elizabeth Quay railway stations, the site offers strong public transport access and proximity to Elizabeth Quay, Stirling Gardens and the Hay and Murray Street malls.
The post Woods Bagot unveils adaptive reuse vision for St Martins Centre appeared first on Inside Construction.
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