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Rowland Street Precinct Improvements

The City of Subiaco has delivered a coordinated upgrade to the Rowland Street Precinct, improving the carpark, laneways and public spaces to create a safer, greener and more welcoming place for everyone. The project focused on essential drainage upgrades, infrastructure, public art and landscaping to enhance the character and everyday experience of the area. Whether you’re parking, visiting local businesses or walking between Rokeby Road and Rowland Street, the precinct will feel easier to use, more comfortable and vibrant.

Project at a glance

Project overview

  • New public art murals

  • Carpark resurfacing and drainage, pedestrian walkways and safety improvements

  • Subi Greenwalks laneway upgrade to Kannis Lane 

Why

  • Improve safety, accessibility and critical drainage infrastructure

  • Support local businesses and foot traffic

  • Protect existing trees and add greenery

  • Create a more attractive, people-friendly space

When

  • Early 2026 – Public art installation

  • April 2026 – Carpark and laneway construction begins

  • May 2026 – Carpark upgrade complete

  • June 2026 – Kannis Lane upgrade complete

Protecting our trees

Trees are central to Subiaco’s character and everyday experience, and protecting and enhancing the City’s urban canopy is a priority for the City of Subiaco. All existing trees in the precinct, including the iconic royal poincianas, will be maintained and protected throughout construction. Improved drainage and soil conditions will support stronger roots and long-term tree health, ensuring the shade and greenery remain for future generations to enjoy.

Public Art - New Murals

New large-scale murals have introduced colour, creativity and identity to the precinct, helping transform everyday laneways into places that people enjoy exploring.

Leanne Bray

Location: Rear 173-175 Rokeby Rd
Status: Complete

Leanne’s mural takes inspiration from the vivid blooms of the surrounding jacaranda and poinciana trees, and perhaps the deep red hues of the nearby Cherubino wines. The artwork reimagines the playful, curving forms of spaghetti through Leanne’s distinctive approach to pattern and repetition. 

Graeme Miles Richards

Location: Laneway between 173-175 and 177 Rokeby Rd
Status: Still underway

A playful series of miniature scenes designed to be discovered up close, bringing personality and surprise to the laneway between Delisio and Dimario Italian Shoes. These artworks are part of the City’s ongoing commitment to integrating art into everyday public spaces and supporting Subiaco’s creative culture.

Artist:  Jacob Butler aka Shakey.

Location: 325 Barker Road – The Third Place
Status: Complete

Shakey specializes in large scale photorealistic murals. This mural uses archival photography from the 1952 celebrations marking Subiaco's proclamation as a city, reinterpreted as an immersive monochromatic work at scale. Key figures, groups and moments are drawn out of the crowd to build a layered narrative of community life, identity and civic pride. At the centre of the work is the Salvation Army — reflecting both their role in the 1952 celebrations and their continued presence on this site today.

You can find some of the original images by exploring the online collection or visiting the Subiaco Museum. This latest mural will join Shakey’s Rolling Stills Art Trail.

Nearby are two other murals which recall Subiaco’s history. On the Tighe building is an artwork by Jordan Paolilo which references Fry’s Malted Cocoa once sold at Tighe’s General Store on this site, along with Still-Life with Pears by Danby, featuring the very collectable Wembley Ware formerly made in Subiaco.

More information

For further details on public art in Subiaco, please look at the Public Art pages.

Contact 

Project Lead: Public Art Officer
E: publicartofficer@subiaco.wa.gov.au
P: (08) 9237 9222

The carpark has been renewed to improve safety, accessibility and drainage while maintaining the tree canopy and character of the space.

Works included:

  • New pavement and resurfacing

  • Clearer line marking and signage

  • Improved drainage

  • Upgraded kerbs, footpaths and pram ramps

  • Safer pedestrian and vehicle movement

  • Additional planting and landscaping

Construction approach

  • Delivered in stages

  • Sections closed temporarily while others remain open

  • Access to surrounding businesses maintained where possible

When

  • Works commenced in April 2026 and took approximately 6 weeks

Access

  • The works were separated into three stages, so only one third of the carpark was closed at any one time

Protecting our trees

A key priority of the project was the protection of the carpark’s mature Royal poinciana trees, which are a well-loved feature of the area. All existing trees were retained and protected during construction. Upgrades also improved soil conditions and drainage permeability to support healthy root growth and long-term canopy health. This approach helps preserve shade, cooling and the unique character these trees bring to the precinct.

Contact 

Project Lead: Manager Engineering Services, Randhir Karma 
E: city@subiaco.wa.gov.au 
P: (08) 9237 9222

Kannis Lane Greenwalks Upgrade

Kannis Lane underwent a ‘Subi Greenwalks’ upgrade as a key pedestrian connection between Rokeby Road and the Rowland Street Car Park. Building on the success of the pilot Subi Greenwalks project in Walmsley Lane, the Kannis Lane upgrade created a greener, safer and a more welcoming route for pedestrians.

Improvements included:

  • Additional planting and greenery

  • Improved lighting and safety

  • New surface treatment

  • Seating

Together with the murals and carpark works, Kannis Lane will help create a connected network of welcoming public spaces through the precinct.

When

  • Works commenced in April 2026 and were completed in June 2026. 

Contact

Project Lead: Place Development
E: place@subiaco.wa.gov.au
P: (08) 9237 9222

Project Timeline

Project design – Complete. 
Public artworks – In progress.
Rowland Street Carpark – Complete. 
Kannis Lane Upgrades – Complete. 

You can find an overview of project information here: Rowland Street Precinct Improvements

Contact
For any enquiries, please contact the City.
E: city@subiaco.wa.gov.au
P: (08) 9237 9222