Perth ‘cactus’ CBD landmark could be moved to make way for Forrest Place redevelopment, says Basil Zempilas

Re-elected Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas is thinking about calling time on Perth’s most famous piece of public art.

Its real name is ‘Grow Your Own’ but you may know it by its more common moniker, the Perth Cactus.

Installed in Forrest Place in 2011, the statue was created by Perth artist James Angus after he won an international competition to produce an artwork for the site.

Mr Zempilas, fresh off his re-election, said the cactus would have to be moved to make way for a remodel of Forrest Place.

“The impending Carillon Arcade demolition and redevelopment provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to remodel Forrest Place,” he said.

“It’s a grand old civic space but for much of the year it’s too harsh. We need more trees, more shade, and more grass to make it more inviting.

“And it might be time for the cactus to go.”

He assured listeners on ABC radio that people who have a “deep affection” for the cactus should not be concerned.

“A redevelopment of the site is planned to take place at Forrest Place that would mean the cactus would have to be temporarily relocated,” he said.

“It’s actually a symbol of a heart rhythm and not a cactus so I wonder if it would be better suited at one of Perth’s two hospitals because of the medical connection.

“Ultimately it comes down to whether this is the best place for it. We could find that once the redevelopment is done that it might stay out of Forrest Place.”

The work is actually inspired by the grow-your-own organic farming movement that began in the early 20th century but it changes shape depending on how it is approached.

Purchased by the State Government, the million-dollar sculpture was said to represent a living organism and sense of regional identity within Perth.

The cactus is no stranger to controversy with debate still raging on as to whether it is art or an eyesore.

“Sadly this was ugly and disappointing when they put it there, and it is still ugly and disappointing that it is still there,” Michael Davis said.

“I don’t dislike that there is a helpful landmark here… I dislike this thing because it is really ugly and doesn’t even mean anything, if it meant something it would still be ugly but possibly forgivable.”