ECU City Campus Opens Three New Cafes to Public, Boosting Perth CBD Vibrancy
Expectations that Edith Cowan University's new campus would transform Perth's city center, not just student experiences, are now materializing with the launch of three campus cafes welcoming the general public. The university's strategic location opposite Yagan Square was designed to foster integration with the wider urban environment, and these cafes are open to office workers, commuters, and visitors seeking quality food and coffee in the CBD.
Unique Dining Options for All
The three venues—Bon Ton, Grindhouse, and Supernatural—each offer distinct culinary experiences tailored to diverse tastes. Bon Ton, situated on the ground floor of the university, draws inspiration from a historic Perth cafe brand that operated from the late 1800s to the 1940s. Reimagined for contemporary audiences, it serves fresh sandwiches, wraps, and baked goods, alongside comfort foods like pizzas and house-made sausage rolls.
This cafe also pays homage to the nearby Fanny Balbuk Walk Trail, honoring the legacy of Whadjuk Noongar woman Fanny Balbuk, known for her resistance to colonial disruption of traditional pathways.
Grindhouse Brings Campus Favourite to City
On the northern side of the ground floor, Grindhouse introduces a beloved favorite from ECU's WA Academy of Performing Arts campus in Mt Lawley to the city, featuring a diner-style atmosphere. The cafe roasts its own coffee on-site, offering single-origin beans and rotating house blends based on seasonal harvests. Its coffee program emphasizes specialty-grade beans, complemented by unique drinks such as iced strawberry matcha and a Mont Blanc specialty beverage.
Supernatural Focuses on Health and Wellbeing
Higher up on level four, Supernatural provides a quieter space centered on healthy eating and wellbeing. Its menu includes salads, wraps, and smoothies, designed to offer nutritious options for students and city workers needing a quick recharge during busy days.
Technology and Community Impact
All three cafes are integrated through the City Campus Food app, allowing customers to pre-order and collect their meals efficiently, enhancing convenience in the fast-paced CBD environment. With thousands of students and staff now based at the new campus, the university anticipates that these cafes will play a key role in activating the city center, fostering a vibrant community hub that bridges academic and public life.
This initiative underscores ECU's commitment to not only enhancing student amenities but also contributing to Perth's urban revitalization, making the campus a dynamic part of the city's daily rhythm.
