On opposite sides of St George's Terrace in the heart of Perth's business precinct, two cafes tell the story of how Perth's CBD is recovering from COVID.
On opposite sides of St George's Terrace, two cafes tell the story of how Perth's CBD is recovering from COVID.But flexible work policies mean fewer are in the office than beforeMany businesses that relied on office workers' dollars were pushed to the brink over the first half of the year with mask mandates keeping many at home.From behind the coffee machine at the base of a 12-storey office building, he has had a front-row seat to the effects of staff working from home.
Since opening her cafe earlier this year, Ms Seng has tried to attract customers through social media."Especially with our desserts as well, you probably can't see anywhere in Perth, so everything here is unique." Once workers returned in early 2022 though, with mask mandates in place, those numbers steadily fell — dropping to around 13 per cent lower than pre-pandemic rates in mid-April.
But the rates are still better than other cities around Australia, with Sydney offices still about 30 per cent quieter than before COVID and offices in Melbourne about 15 per cent lower.Linda Robson lectures in geography and regional development at the University of WA and said the last two years had accelerated the way the city was already moving.
"But as a meeting place for meetings, for coffee, for tertiary activities like museums and venues, it will most definitely bounce back," she said.As the chair of WA's Property Council, Sandra Brewer has been keen to sell the CBD as a place to work, visit and live.