LAMINGTON-flavoured gelato, kangaroo rolls and classic Aussie ballads will mark the opening of the new Cathedral Square precinct in central Perth on Australia Day.

The $700m precinct, which encompasses the new City of Perth Library, St George’s Cathedral, the new Mirvac tower, the five star COMO The Treasury hotel and the bars, restaurants and shops within the 19th century State Buildings, will launch on Australia Day.

At the precinct’s heart is a 500sqm grass plaza that will host WA musicians Davey Craddock, Lucy Peach and Timothy Nelson, who will perform free shows from 1pm.

Gelato spiked with typically Australian flavours such as pavlova will be available, as will takeaway barbecue dishes from Petition Kitchen restaurant, to be enjoyed on picnic rugs and

cushions put out for the occasion.

The precinct, which has been hidden from the public eye during the renovation and

construction of the area’s buildings, is situated on Perth’s ‘point zero’, the place from which

all road distances in WA are measured.

Camera Icon Musicians will perform free shows on the precinct’s 500sqm grass plaza. Credit: Supplied

Newly appointed neigbourhood manager, Lucy Searle says Cathedral Square has an ethos of

encouraging Western Australians to come and enjoy the revitalised, pedestrian-friendly space.

“The Australia Day event will be like a welcome to the space. We’re trying to show off our

revitalised precinct for 21st Century Perth,” she said.

“We want to help people discover a new part of Perth that has probably, for a while, lacked a

bit of flavour.”

Searle is tasked with creating an annual program of attractions and events to bring people into Cathedral Square, forming a new inner city neighbourhood. There will be free yoga every Tuesday and Saturday in February, vintage markets on the first Sunday of each month and

numerous other community events.

“We want to celebrate everything that’s unique to the city, such as local artists and musicians,” she said.

“We’re driven by a passion for the city, a passion to see people out and about utilising the spaces, a passion for understanding the communities around us. We want people of all walks

of life through the Square.”