Subiaco is changing and this provides a generational opportunity to build on its existing charm as a favourite place to live, work, play and visit.

Recent investment in Subiaco has reached unprecedented levels in major public and private projects such as the Subi East Redevelopment, Bob Hawke College, One Subiaco, Subi XO, and public realm upgrades including Postal Walk, and Seddon Street. These projects herald a new era for Subiaco as a destination of choice and provides opportunities to grow and innovate.

A community need for additional spaces for people to sit, connect, and linger in the town centre was identified, as well as opportunities to engage with programming and commercial enterprise. A review of spaces across the City was conducted, and Forrest Walk was identified as having the capacity to perform better to meet these needs.

Project overview

The Forrest Walk Public Realm Upgrade, completed in September 2024, has enhanced the pedestrian focussed space to address community needs and provide opportunity for greater community connection. The new space has the ability to host events and community activities, and enhances connection and walkability between Rokeby Road and Rowland Street.

Following are the key aspects of the project that have been implemented:

• Enhanced public seating opportunities
• Enhanced alfresco dining opportunities
• Renewed surface treatments, pavement and pathways
• Improved levels and drainage
• Conserved and retained treescapes
• New softscapes including trees and underplanting
• Improved amenity and accessibility
• New lighting and electrical treatments
• Opportunities for events and community activities
• Installation of new artwork Digging Deep by Jahne Rees.

An overview of the project information can be found here: Forrest Walk Project Information and FAQs.

Forrest Walk Artwork

The Forrest Walk upgrade includes new artwork, as well as celebrating the existing art within the space.

In 2012, Ayad Alqaragholli created the sculpture Arrive to Paradise (the Angel Chair) which sits at the top of Forrest Walk, next to Jackson’s Drawing Supplies. The piece depicts two winged angels perched atop a raised chair and signifies the possibilities offered to migrants in Australia. It remains one of Subiaco’s most photographed chairs as people climb up the stairs and pose for a photo.

Joining Arrive to Paradise in 2024 is Digging Deep, integrated into the three raised concrete garden walls. Digging Deep, created by Jahne Rees in consultation with Indigenous Consultant Sharyn Egan, uses carefully placed natural forms, found objects, and aggregates to tell a story of the natural and human interventions shaping this land.

You can read more about the Forrest Walk artwork, and the artists, here.

Project timeline

Community consultation - Complete.
Concept development - Complete.
Detailed design - Complete.
Tender - Awarded 12 December 2023.
Construction - Forrest Walk reopened to the public on 2 September 2024. The space was formally opened on 9 October 2024. Festivities at the Forrest Walk Opening Sundowner, 9 October 2024.

Support your local

Take the opportunity to check out the new space and the local businesses that call Forrest Walk home. 

Looks Optique: Optometrist and on-the-spot prescription eyewear, featuring high-quality optical frames and over 15,000 lenses. 
Infi Art: More than just an art gallery, Infi Art offer art classes and activities. 
Curi Hair: Experienced hair stylists, Jay and Tiffany offer cuts and treatments, specialising in perms and colour. 
The Nail Depot: Professionally trained and experienced staff offer high quality nail products and services. 
True Pilates Perth: Highly skilled teachers offer classical pilates classes for beginners, through to experienced practitioners. 
PROEKT Architecture: The PROEKT team offer core services in architecture and interior design, as well as holistic project advisory. 
Subiaco Antiques and Jewellery: Qualified gemmologists with extensive experience in the antique and jewellery trade, Eddie and Emma offer exclusive, high-quality pieces. 
Lulu La Delizia: Specialising in premium fresh pasta, Lulu La Delizia is a widely renowned eatery and wine bar, carefully selecting predominantly Italian and Australian wines to complement their menu. 
M1 Med Beauty Perth: The qualified team at M1 Med Beauty offer a wide range of cosmetic treatments. 
Bright Side Family Law: The experienced Bright Side Family Law team provide mediation and legal advice, wherever possible achieving non-adversarial legal solutions. 

Project partners

City of Subiaco
BOS Civil
Propagule Consulting

Contact

Project Lead: Place Officer, Economic Development and Place, Kaitie Cushing
E: place@subiaco.wa.gov.au