The City of Subiaco has today commenced community consultation to inform the design of the community spaces that will feature in a new civic building and gardens as part of a once-in-a-generation redevelopment at its Civic Precinct.
Located in the mid-section of Rokeby Road, the Precinct is a historically significant landmark, having served a variety of community functions for over a century.
Today, it encompasses community facilities of the E H Parker Library, Subiaco Museum, the old Council Chambers and Administration Centre, Rankin Gardens, the Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Clock Tower, and a number of heritage trees.
In February 2021, Council endorsed the investigation of a potential refurbishment or redevelopment of the Council Chambers and Administration Centre building, as it was nearing the end of its serviceable life.
Preliminary work commenced before the building was compromised by a fire in September 2022. In December 2022, Council resolved to demolish the old Council Chambers and Administration Centre at 241 Rokeby Road, with Council and Administrative functions moved to a rental premises at 388 Hay Street.
In March 2024, informed by community feedback collected through a range of engagement activities undertaken over the past several years, Council approved the vision and design principles for the architectural procurement process.
The concept design, led by Lyons, is for a contemporary, welcoming and enduring place that will serve the community for the next 50 to 100 years.
It includes a number of adaptable, modern, and flexible community spaces, including a dedicated community hub, exhibition space, grass roots pavilion, and festival lawn, along with the City’s customer service hub and office space.
Designed around the site’s mature and iconic trees, the new civic building will be complementary in its garden setting, and incorporate contemporary, environmentally responsible features that will reduce long-term operating costs and ensure lasting value for the community.
Mayor David McMullen said, “We have drawn on everything the community has told us over the last several years about their priorities, aspirations and pressures. Now, we want to hear from as many people as possible so we can refine the design of the Precinct's indoor and outdoor spaces.
“These spaces must meet community needs and expectations; they must be functional and fit for purpose; they must offer lasting value and amenity.
“By taking a whole-of-precinct approach to this redevelopment, we are maximising the opportunity to provide for current and future people in our City.
“Already, countless hours of planning and preparation have been put in by experts in their field – the project architects, City staff, and members of Council (current and past) - to reach a concept design that we would be proud to share with our community for consultation.
“Every decision so far; and every workshop, discussion, briefing, and instruction to consultants, has occurred with community front of mind.
“We are not just designing for today. The vision is long-term, and has been carefully thought through - with all of the probity and oversight that ratepayers would quite rightly expect for a project of this scale.”
Have your say
The City is welcoming community feedback on the Civic Precinct concept design from Friday 14 November until Wednesday 31 December 2025.
You can provide input via:
- A short online survey via haveyoursay.subiaco.wa.gov.au/civic-precinct
- In person, or fill out a feedback postcard at Postal Walk on Tuesday 18 November, from 10am to 12pm
- In person, or fill out a feedback postcard at Subi Farmers Market on Saturday 29 November, from 8am to 12pm
- In person, or postcards to fill out at the Daglish Tennis Club on Thursday 4 December, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm
- In person, or postcards to fill out at the Shenton Park Community Centre on Tuesday 9 December, from 8.30am to 10.30am
- Filling out a feedback postcard that will be available to fill out at the City of Subiaco Office at Level 2 388 Hay Street, Subiaco Library, or Lords Recreation Centre.
To read more about the project, and view the full concept design, visit
www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/civic-precinct.