Wood you look at that: Plans revealed for Perth's first ever timber and steel office tower
An ASX-listed property company has unveiled plans for Perth's first timber and steel office tower in Westralia Square.
GDI Property group, the same company that owns the Ikea building in Innaloo and several Perth office towers, has submitted a development application to the City of Perth for a $100 million hybrid 11-storey tower on the block between Mill Street and William Street.
Artists impression of the new steel and timber tower at Westralia Square.
GDI said because of the tower's lightweight construction it would take less time to construct that a traditional concrete tower at 20 months.
GDI managing director Steve Gillard said the investment would help boost the state's economic recovery and was an indication that there was strong business growth on the horizon.
“Our Westralia Square vision reinforces our passion and commitment to enhance our buildings and
precincts for not only our valued tenants but our broader city stakeholders and users alike," he said.
"WA has shown its economic strength and resilience during the COVID pandemic period and we believe there is strong future business growth which will need quality accommodation like this.
“GDI’s revitalising and modernisation approach to redevelopment is a major boost to Perth’s CBD as it will provide significant investment, demonstrate confidence in the City and the State and drive renewed activities and significant job creation.
“We believe this will be an attractive building and development for businesses, government and
workers wanting to work in a unique and vibrant building and precinct.”
Artists impression of the steel and timber tower.
Alongside the tower GDI will also spruce up the ageing podium area and Esplanade walkway on the southern side of Westralian square.
Timber office towers are becoming a fashionable option for developers.
In June Australian-based tech giant Atlassian unveiled the design for its new 40-storey timber headquarters in Sydney. When completed it will be the tallest timber tower in the world.
Hamish Hastie is WAtoday's business reporter.
