Elected Member Briefing Note 2026, No. 45
About this Briefing Note
Report by: Steve McDonald, Economic Development Manager
Date: 8 April 2026
Subject: Make Room - Free Let Craft Incubator Pilot Project
Details
Purpose
The purpose of this Briefing Note is to provide information about the new initiative being delivered by Perth's UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Arts designation - Make Room.
Briefing Information
Make Room is a new pilot initiative designed to support makers while exploring innovative uses for vacant shop units. Successful applicants will gain free access to a flexible, public‑facing unit that can be used as a retail shop, working studio, gallery, workshop venue, meeting room, office, or collaborative space. Make Room leases will run on a six to 12-week rotational model with opportunities for pop-ups in between leases.
This pilot aims to energise Perth's creative sector, strengthen the visibility of local talent, and contribute to a vibrant and culturally active city centre.
Make Room is located at 19 Princes St, previously home to Tayberry Gallery. The unit is leased (with a two-year break clause) by Culture Perth and Kinross and funded through Perth and Kinross Council's Placemaking and Localities budget and delivered through the Perth City of Craft Programme of Activity. This project will act as a case study for alternative uses for ground level vacant shop units per the Perth City Centre Development and Design Framework.
Perth City of Craft are currently running an open call for lease applications which will close at 1pm, 14 April 2026. The first tenant is expected to take the lease from early May, and there will be a formal launch in summer 2026.
Further information is available on the Culture PK website.
