Perth Voice Interactive

FIFTY-TWO owners of empty blocks in Vincent were issued with double-rates last year.

Mayor John Carey won support for the double-rates policy back when he was a councillor, arguing it was a way to stem the growth of derelict blocks bringing down streetscapes.

German artists Reinigungsgesellschaft renamed Brisbane Street “Broken Tooth Street” saying its empty blocks resembled a British prizefighter’s smile.

The policy meant affected owners paid roughly $4000 extra each, adding $209,000 to Vincent’s coffers.

Across the river Fremantle council attempted to get double rates from owners of empty buildings. Freo had hoped it’d encourage landlords to get tenants into long-empty shops, but the plan backfired when the state administrative tribunal ordered it to pay back all the extra cash.

by DAVID BELL