Yagan Square

Entertainment hub reconnects Northbridge and the city centre for the first time in over 100 years By Grace Flynn

Perth Explorer Magazine I May 2018 1 Square

Nestled within the heritage-listed Horseshoe Bridge, Ya- gan Square reunites Northbridge and the city centre for the first time in over 100 years. Labelled by Premier Mark McGowan as “the heart of ”, the newly-opened pre- cinct promises high quality food, beverages and entertain- ment within the centre of the city.

Following 10 years of careful planning and development, the highly anticipated is now open for business, offering visitors dishes from across the globe, Instagram-wor- thy desserts, excellent coffee and an array of cultural events to attend throughout the year. Designed with consideration to “nearly 2,000 responses received from the public via an online engagement tool during the planning stages”, the developers design, the square was inspired by the culture of the of the project, the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority traditional owners of the land, evident through the have ensured Yagan Square offers something for everyone, nine-metre high sculpture of Aboriginal warrior, Wir- including a children’s playground, restaurants and cafes, inter- rin, which looks out onto Northbridge and stands to active digital art and an amphitheatre. symbolise unity and the sacred force of creative power. Through art, stories from the Whadjuk people have In terms of design, the $73.5 million square is hard to miss; also been incorporated throughout the precinct. a 45 metre digital tower operated by ScreenWest can be seen from the opposite end of Wellington Street and digital cano- Located on the upper level, Yagan Square’s amphithe- pies bring the venue alive with dazzling light displays during atre is expected to play host to a range of events. With the evening. Native flaura, water features and dusty orange a strong focus on attracting events that have a uniquely hues are seamlessly interwoven within the square’s contempo- Western Australian feel, Director of Communications rary design, bringing elements of Western Australia’s harsh for the MRA, Vanessa Toncich, says that we can expect yet beautiful landscape to the heart of the city. to see “regional showcase events in partnership with Buy West East Best celebrating the best of Western Named after the iconic Noongar leader, Yagan, the square Australian produce, ongoing musical performances by holds strong connections to Aboriginal culture. In relation to WA artists, festivals and markets.”

Perth Explorer Magazine I May 2018 2 Whilst a strong focus on a Western Australian feel runs throughout the square’s landscaping, design and event calendar, the Market Hall is a melt- ing pot of cuisines from across the globe. Boasting more than 15 different eateries, the Market Hall offers a range of dishes, including classic American burgers, Hawaiian poke bowls, Czech honey cake, Indian curry-toasties, Ital- ian donuts and Yum Cha. So, whether you need to grab lunch to go, or you’re planning on meeting up with friends or family for dinner, the Market Hall has no shortage of options, satisfying the fussiest of eaters.

Although modern in design, Yagan Square holds strong connections to both the land and the traditional landowners, providing a window into Noongar culture and planting Western Australia’s beautiful natural land- scape amongst the concrete of the city. With no shortage of attractions, the precinct offers something for everyone and welcomes all. Despite only being in its infancy, it is not hard to see the entertainment hub growing into the pulsating heart of our city.

Market Hall Guide

Big Els X The WKND Troublemaker Burgers Lena Lu

Offering specialty coffee and delicious Perfect for a quick lunch on the go, If you don’t enjoy donuts, firstly, why, cocktails, Big Els X The WKND is Troublemaker Burgers provide simply and secondly, come to Lena Lu anyway, there to provide a good time and nurse delicious, no messing around burgers because their bomboloni are works the consequent hangover. With a that fit perfectly into the palm of your of art. Decorated with small tubs of classic hipster-café vibe, expect Insta- hand. Pair with a thick shake of any Nutella, m&ms, marshmallows, biscuits gram-worthy pics and classic RnB tunes flavour your heart desires or a can of and every other topping you can think (think Snoop and Rihanna throwbacks). American soda and you’re set for a ‘that of, these Italian donuts are little mas- For your caffeine fix, look no further hits the spot’ kind of lunch. terpieces that won’t fail to satisfy those than the Spanish ice latte. It’s superb. with the sweetest of sweet tooths.

Perth Explorer Magazine I May 2018 2 Perth Explorer Magazine I May 2018 3