The City is asking for community feedback on a proposal to request the Minister to reserve Crown land as a mall reserve, for a portion of Washing Lane, Perth. Closing this portion of the laneway to vehicle traffic would allow for a vibrant pedestrian and outdoor dining space.

The portion, of approximately 60m in length, runs between the complexes known as 188 Newcastle Street, Perth.

This proposal is to close the one-way portion of the road to vehicle access, and to have it converted into a pedestrian only access way. There would be retractable bollards at the Money Street end of the one-way portion of the road to restrict vehicle access.

Closing this section of the laneway to vehicle access could create a vibrant and activated pedestrian space. Food and beverage businesses in the laneway could utilise small-scale alfresco dining. Lighting, artworks, and greenery could be added to the laneway, enhancing the landscape quality of the land. The space could be used on a daily basis for ground level tenancies, and also for periodic events.

The 15-minute car bay on Washing Lane near the corner of Money Street, is proposed to be changed to a Loading Zone bay. This would address ongoing issues of illegal parking and vehicles obstructing the driveway into the carpark at 188 Newcastle Street, Perth.

The impact upon the local road network as a result of this potential road closure would be negligible. There is little reason for traffic, other than local traffic and service delivery vehicles, to use this portion of Washing Lane. It is a low-speed environment that only allows a left turn access to William Street.

It is proposed to install retractable bollards at the eastern, or Money Street end, of the pedestrian zone, adjacent the underground car park entrance, thereby maintaining full two-way access to and from the car park via Money Street.

Bollards are not required at the western, or William Street end, as it is sign posted No Entry (from William Street). This would allow for quick vehicle access for emergency services, who can access the pedestrian zone irrespective of the bollards being up or down.

The closed section of the road would remain as public land and would continue to be maintained by the City.

What happens after the community consultation?

After the consultation period has closed, Council will consider feedback and approve or deny the permanent road closure. If approved, the City will request the Minister to close the road. If the request is granted, the road will be closed on and from the day on which the relevant order is registered.

If the road closure request is successful, the applicant will undertake streetscape improvements and landscaping within the pedestrian zone.

The land will continue to be under the care, control, and management of the City, who will maintain the land and any new infrastructure.

History of the name - Washing Lane

Washing Lane was named in 2003 commemorating the Washing Bros furniture business which operated from 323 Newcastle Street Perth from the early 1900s until 1953. The factory was started by Charles Washing (Wah-Shing) and his brothers who came from China to the Victorian Goldfields, relocated to Perth in the early 1900s where they started a furniture making business.

The Washing Bros operated during a time when racism towards Asians was evident in legislation like the Factories Act 1904 which required furniture any furniture manufactured to be stamped “European Labour Only’ or “Asiatic Labour”.

Share your thoughts

We are keen to hear what our community thinks about this proposal to transform Washing Lane into a pedestrian only zone.

To share your thoughts, fill out our quick online survey below.

All submissions must be received by 5pm, 3 June 2022.

If you require any further information, please contact the City on (08) 9273 6000 or mail@vincent.wa.gov.au.