Bunnings proposal leaves gritty Perth arts precinct in a pickle
SARAH BROOKES - WAtoday
A gritty little pocket of Perth known as the Pickle District has become a burgeoning arts precinct, home to art galleries, design and photography studios, a boutique theatre and event spaces, all within a 300-metre radius.
But now there are fears the district nestled between Leederville and Northbridge will be “destroyed” by a $25 million application to build a large-scale Bunnings store, with childcare centre and retail and hospitality tenancies in a five-storey complex.
The development would consume the block between Cleaver, Newcastle and Old Aberdeen streets to the border of gallery Linton and Kay and demolish the buildings that house existing businesses including Cleaver Street Co, STALA Contemporary, Voxlab, Old Habits, Gourmet Trader and 2 Brothers.
Pickle District’s Town Team spokesman and artist Jon Denaro said the development would be devastating.
“We are not opposed to a development in the area, however we want to see a development that honours the existing precinct and is geographically, and culturally valuable,” he said.
“The proposed development destroys everything we have been building, the community and the whole potential of the precinct.”
Janet Holmes à Court is the owner and director of Holmes à Court Gallery located in the Pickle District.
“Over the past eight years I have seen and have been a part of a growing Pickle District,” she said.
“It has become a totally unique, one-of-a-kind arts precinct.
“The proposed Bunnings development is slap-bang in the middle of [it] and its impact will be insurmountable.
Brief history
The original Tandy’s Preserves and Pickle Factory, which operated in this area in 1917, inspired the name of the district. Back then, residents would line up for pickles while complaining about the noxious vinegar odours wafting from the factory. The Old Pickle Factory still stands 100 years later.
With art deco buildings, early 20th century warehouses, street art scattered on otherwise blank walls, and laneways joining it all, this pocket of Perth seemed ripe with possibility.
In 2018 there was an influx of creative businesses, including MAISON, Backlot Cinemas, Holmes a Court Gallery, STALA Contemporary, Obscure View, Linton and Kay, Fridays Studio, Cleaver Street Co and No.7 Events.
“Not only will it erase small businesses and art galleries, but also shatter the heart of the Pickle District and future opportunities for the ongoing development of this area as a unique multi-arts destination.”
But Developers Saracen said the development would bring extensive investment to West Perth and act as a catalyst for the redevelopment of the Pickle District.
“This development will be the first major mixed used multi-storey redevelopment within the locality,” a report to council said.
“Taking advantage of these corner locations, the proposed development will comprise recognisable and iconic building features which reflect existing structures and operations within the Pickle District, intended to strengthen its relation with the history of the area.”
The developer said it had incorporated two spaces – a lower level community space and rooftop event space – to ensure the Pickle District’s Town Team could continue to operate on the site and ensure the demolition of warehouses did not take away the area’s character.
City of Vincent mayor Emma Cole said council was on the cusp of developing a precinct plan for the Pickle District.
“Wesfarmers will not land a business as usual Bunnings in this unique area unless they do something extremely innovative,” she said.
“Wesfarmers is a big investor in the arts and my suggestion was for them to look at adding a dedicated rooftop level for live music, art galleries and a space for existing tenants to continue their operations.
“This would make huge difference to how Bunnings lands in the area and adapts.”
Bunnings property and store development director Andrew Marks said proposed store would be a small warehouse and form part of a wider development which is being led by a developer.
“We’re always very mindful of community feedback and as a potential tenant, we would listen to concerns raised and work closely with the developer through their continued community engagement as they progress their application,” he said.
The City of Vincent will provide a recommendation to the Joint Development Assessment Panel which will make the final decision.