Perth's historic Bon Marche Arcade on Barrack Street is set for a vibrant new life, transforming into short-stay accommodation after securing a major $1 million heritage adaptive reuse grant from the City of Perth.
A New Chapter for a 124-Year-Old Icon
The landmark arcade, originally built in 1901 by architect H. J. Prockter, will be revitalised by property group 30 iParks Pty Ltd. The grant was officially approved by the city council on December 9, 2025, under a program designed to activate vacant or underused spaces in heritage-protected buildings.
Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds hailed the decision as a pivotal moment for connecting the community with Perth's built history. "Heritage buildings are part of Perth’s character and identity," Mr Reynolds said. "By activating spaces that have been dormant or underused, we’re not just restoring architecture, we’re bringing history back into the everyday life of our city."
Catalyst for Barrack Street Precinct
The redevelopment is viewed as a significant economic and cultural catalyst for the surrounding Barrack Street area. Tony Canci, managing director of iParks, stated the project would support nearby businesses by drawing new visitors and activity.
"We see this redevelopment as a catalyst for fresh activity in the Barrack Street precinct," Mr Canci explained. "It's an example of how heritage can be preserved and used in a contemporary way. The project will protect the building’s rich history and open its doors to new visitors, businesses and experiences."
Grant Program Drives Active Conservation
The City of Perth's heritage adaptive reuse grant program can contribute up to 10 per cent of a project's total cost, with a cap of $1 million per project. Successful applicants must complete works within three years, with portions of the funding retained until the building is successfully tenanted across multiple floors.
Darren Foster, chair of the Heritage Council of WA, said the grant approval marked a new chapter for CBD conservation. "Heritage buildings don’t survive by being locked away — they need to be used, loved and lived in," Mr Foster said. "Seeing Bon Marche Arcade's spaces reoccupied will reinforce heritage as something active, not archival."
The transformation of the arcade, which sits above the popular Le Vietnam Bahn Mi store, signals a shift towards dynamic place-making in Perth's city centre, ensuring its historic fabric remains a living, functional part of the urban landscape.
