The City of Perth appears ready to throw its weight behind the long-awaited $70 million Forrest Chase overhaul.

It is to start almost two years later than originally hoped but is expected to include a yet-to-be-disclosed, double-level flagship tenancy on the corner of Murray Street mall and Forrest Place.

The revamp, to involve Myer and the surrounding tenancies on the ground and first floors (many now closed in anticipation of the building work) getting a fresh new look, will also involve a change to the ground floor tenancies with potential for a small bar, and dining and entertainment venues, as well as more general retail shopping associated with the centre.

Camera Icon Forrest Place overhaul being planned by ISPT. Credit: ISPT

It is the first time the walkways have been modified since they were opened almost 30 years ago in 1988.

The 12,550sqm site fronts Wellington Street, Forrest Place, Murray Street mall and Grand Lane. The upper walkway, Padbury Walk, connects Forrest Chase to Perth train station. One significant change will be the removal of direct public access through the City Central building connecting the Wellington Street pedestrian overpass to the Murray Street mall.

Forrest Chase owner ISPT plans to populate the ground floor and basement tenancies with dining, general retail, fast food and a small bar.

Hames Sharley are the architects behind the redesign.

Camera Icon Forrest Chase owner ISPT plans to populate the ground floor and basement tenancies with dining, general retail, fast food and a small bar. Credit: ISTP

It is understood there will be a number of alfresco areas. An earlier plan to have 27 secure bicycle parking bays in the basement and 60 on Wellington Street with end-of-trip facilities is a casualty of the change.

However, under the latest plans, recommended for approval by the City, bathroom facilities will replace these, to ensure there are toilet and bathroom areas for the patrons of the dining, entertainment and alfresco space.

The aim of the redevelopment is to unify Forrest Chase and City Central, which has a Woolworths, into a single commercial entity.

There is no plan to expand outside the existing building envelopes, except with City Central moving about 1.5m into the Murray Street mall to align with Forrest Chase.

Camera Icon It is the first time the walkways have been modified since they were opened almost 30 years ago in 1988. Credit: ISPT

The walkways that surround the site and the overpass that connects Forrest Place to the Carillon City arcade will be demolished and replaced with a “contemporary lightweight steel and glass structure”.

The overpass bridges at Wellington Street and Murray Street mall (David Jones) will not be changed as part of this development.

The City of Perth Local Development Assessment Panel was yesterday expected to approve the latest Forrest Chase redevelopment plan paving the way for works to begin within weeks.