Perth City Gate Overhauled

Citigate Perth:

707 Wellington St, Perth WA
(08) 9327 7000 or www.mirvachotels.com/citigate-perth

Citigate Perth is a four star 278-room hotel managed by Mirvac hotels. The hotel had previously been the Orchard/Grand Chancellor Hotel and its dated interior was in dire need of an upgrade. Woodhead was commissioned to provide design services for the $9m refurbishment, transforming the asset with a contemporary design that’s more aligned with the Mirvac brand, while giving it a sense of that ‘Perth’ feel. The three elements Woodhead figured would give the hotel a touch of the Western capital’s appeal were a healthy dose of timber veneers, floral designs distinct to WA and aboriginal motifs. But as with all renovations, Woodhead had to strip away what was left of the old hotel. Gone are the brass trim, etched glass, elaborate chandeliers and marble surfaces, replaced by light and dark timbers, a stylised version of WA’s state flower, the kangaroo paw, emblazoned on windows and light fittings, and local artist’s work screenprinted onto silk. Task lighting has been simplified, making way for large cylindrical pendant lights to snake en-masse through the lobby. And new plasterboard, floating ceiling draws guests into the café/ bar area that had previously been tucked away in a corner out of sight. And entertainment is projected onto the bar bulkhead when required, instead of cluttering up the place with plasma screens. On top of all this Perth modernisation, Woodhead also took care of a soft upgrade of the guest rooms and suites, corridors and lift lobbies, and an upgrade of the roof terrace pool deck area — which is the best way to enjoy Perth, by the water.