STAFF REPORTER

The City of Perth is “confident” that a $25,000 safety net provided to encourage an artists’ collective into an underused city building will not be needed.

The council has agreed to underwrite part of the lease for the first-floor office space above the Hay Street Mall in a building known as Moana Chambers (staircase pictured).

The main leaseholder, ‘Post-, intends to accommodate the workspaces of some 25 arty types there on the cheap.

A council spokeswoman said there was loads of upper-level space languishing in the Perth CBD that would be attractive for small businesses that could not afford steep rents.

“The council wants to see these innovative and creative industry people have a base in the city as it adds to our diversity and has the potential to attract more people into the city,” the spokeswoman said.

The city has agreed to underwrite part of the lease up to a maximum liability of $25,000 and for a duration up to one year.

‘Post-‘ is the business arm of Spacemarket, a non-profit group that matches creative businesses with vacant office space.

The spokeswoman said she was confident that ‘Post-‘ would cover the full cost of its lease through sub-letting and would not have to draw on ratepayer cash.

“The council’s commitment should allow ‘Post-‘ to pursue their plan with confidence to match their obvious enthusiasm for the project,” she said.