Nestled around Perth, a vibrant array of communities are taking it upon themselves to reclaim and rejuvenate neglected spaces, breathing new life and purpose into them. More than just buildings, these projects are living stories, tapestries of community, culture and history, set to define Western Australia’s spirit.
Unique shopping experience, a celebration of traditional Chinese craftsmanship
Driven by a genuine aspiration to revive a neglected and underutilised corner of the community, the full redesign and rebuild of a Chinese grocery store on North William Street in Northbridge is a new chapter for a street that has long been perceived as ‘past its golden age’ and a symbol of development and innovation for Perth.
The Longhui Supermarket stands as a testament to resilience and innovation. Battling market shortages and strict deadlines, C U Vision, the commercial arm of C U Building Group, rejuvenated an ageing space that’s inspired by Australian and Chinese cultures. The result? A community space where two cultures seamlessly intertwine in an avant-garde shopping experience that celebrates the richness of Chinese heritage, a bridge between cultures.
This richness is seen in the innovative design and attention to detail, a nod to traditional Chinese craftsmanship and a revival of the property’s underutilised recent past. The façade now invites locals and visitors alike to partake in a shopping experience that promotes mutual understanding and engagement. Furthermore, it serves as a stimulus to William Street’s economic activity to attract artisans, local business people and consumers to contribute to the precinct and extends the invitation to developers to collaborate with C U Vision.
This project is a reminder that transformation can start with a single endeavour: unity within the community.
A burgeoning arts hub that nods to its past
For years, this space in West Perth was underappreciated and underutilised, so residents rallied together to start a project: The Pickle District, a growing arts precinct named after the preserves and pickle factories that operated in the area in the early 1900s (some visitors swear they still scent slight odours of vinegar in the air!).
Since its reinvention, the space has hosted ‘After Dark’ events that boast impressive numbers, which continue to grow each year. The precinct bursts with creative energy and now represents one of the most creative neighbourhoods in Western Australia. This year’s 3.0 event had a big turnout with 800 plus registrations, demonstrating the need for a safe space full of artistic energy, especially after COVID-19.
Whadjuk Noongar: Indigenous storytelling through art
At 140 Perth, laneways in the heart of the CBD have been transformed into a reimagined hub. This vibrant urban destination seamlessly intertwines gastronomy, artistic expression, and retail, breathing new life into the hidden corners of Perth. At its core, this dynamic precinct serves as a communal sanctuary, inviting people to gather, unwind, and engage. Beyond its ambience, the space advocates for Whadjuk Noongar storytelling through a rich art program. A recent highlight is Tyrown Waigana’s “Bilya Back Yaakin” mural, depicting a Western Long-Neck turtle, embodying pre-urban river systems.
As Perth continues to morph and grow, C U Vision is here to ensure the city’s historic and cultural essence melds seamlessly with its vibrant future, and the revitalised Longhui Supermarket is only one example of this. Visit their website to learn more about how C U Vision can help unlock a property’s potential.