Will WFH spell the end of the CBD?
Commercial space stands empty and retailers and restaurateurs are worried.
In another lifetime, I was one of a group of heritage lovers who opposed the demolition of the Regent theatre in Queen Street.
Our arguments for its preservation included its unique faux-Gothic design, its status the last remnant of the inner-city’s theatre district and the fact that replacing it with a commercial tower was clearly ridiculous at a time when demand for office space was on the wane.
It was almost 15 years ago when the wrecker’s ball knocked over the theatre box area of the Regent, leaving a big hole facing Elizabeth Street and the old building’s dismembered foyer clinging on for dear life on Queen Street.
And that’s exactly how it remains. There was no sound argument in favour of building an office tower back then, and there is even less reason now.
The work-from-home (WFH) phenomenon, linked to COVID lockdowns, has led to lowered demand for office space across the city, and especially in the CBD.
Fewer people are moving through the city, so there is less need for businesses that sell products and services to office workers.
The Broadway on the Mall food court is gone, the Wintergarden and Post Office Square food courts aren’t as big as they used to be (with the latter about to be redeveloped, I believe), and there are empty food counters in the Adina Apartments building which sees much of the foot traffic to and from Central station.
On the positive side, several small shops have popped up along Adelaide Street and elsewhere, selling banh mi, sushi and various Asian food bowls. However, I’d wager that those businesses are not paying the kind of rent once demanded in the city and that they are not on long-term leases.
Myer has abandoned its long-time residency, leaving a huge empty space in what’s now known as the Uptown centre. Perhaps the much-anticipated Queens Wharf development, including the revamped Star Casino, will be a drawcard for high-end shoppers as well as gamblers — but that remains to be seen.
The casino move will also leave empty the existing Treasury building, which may or may not become a hotel.
The city isn’t exactly deserted but as a business district is in decline.
Apartment buildings are, perhaps, the future. But bringing in more residents will change the nature of the place.
Businesses that support a daytime population of come-and-go workers will be replaced by those that cater for people who inhabit the place at night and on weekends.
There will be opportunities for all sorts of venues — supermarkets, fast-food joints, pub, nightclubs and restaurants. Maybe even a theatre.
POSTSCRIPT
I was in Tinglapa recently and the war memorial caught my eye. It’s good to see these memorials maintained, but something struck me as being unusual about this particular one. It’s been painted — the soldier’s boots are brown and the uniform is khaki. As far as I can tell, that is quite unusual. There must be a story behind it. Does anybody know that story?