Thornlie Square; no ordinary shopping complex!

Today I'm looking into the history and development of the local shops, Thornlie Square.

Original Signage, 1970s

To us modern day Thornlie folk, its just another place to grab your milk and bread with a few novelty stores. Its an easy place ot grab some take away or pop into the IGA which is open until 11pm. There is a gym and a TAB not far away, a bottle shop, a newsagent, a patisserie and a chemist. Coles and IGA have all the grocery essentials and you can easily get a haircut or do your washing at the laundromat.

Frontage in the late 1990s-Early 2000s

I was very lucky to find some photos from 1972 on the State Library of WA's trove heritage database. The photos are retrieved from a brochure designed to advertise the new mall, which according to the City Of Gosnells 'History Of Suburb Names' document was the first air conditioned mall in the state!  

Back in the early 1970s, it was a new shopping development opened before Garden City. Women were excited about the prospects of fashion and textiles available in the suburbs.

Boutique Flair, 1972

With the Crestwood estate being at the forefront of contemporary resident friendly estate design in the 1970's, the two went hand in hand to give Thornlie a suave feeling of opulence. 

Childrens amusement ride 1970s

While the IGA and Coles have come a long way to modernise the shopping experience, there is still a small bakery, Goreys Butchers, the fruit and vegetable shop as well as asian grocers selling a huge range of imported groceries. This is a huge indication on the changing demographic of Thornlie and the multicultural suburb that it has become.

Grocery store(s) 1970s

There Thornlie Square is still very much a family friendly shopping complex with 'The Nearest Cafe', a skate park nearby and small stalls that pop up in the halls selling novelty items and crafts. Occasionally local artitsts and fundraisers will hold a stall for specified causes and it creates an atmosphere where you stop and browse rather than dash in for the shopping.

Thornlie Square 2010's

When you next pop down to pick up that pizza or a late night grocery run, spare a thought for the 40 year history of the "local shops" - seems they've been "the local" for the generations before us!

Forever 6108!

State Library of WA

http://innopac.slwa.wa.gov.au/record=b2418538#

City of Gosnells
www.gosnells.wa.gov.au/

Thornlie Real Estate; Whats the deal?

A quick look at reiwa.com.au or domain.com.au and you will notice that the housing prices in Thornlie aren’t as cheap as they used to be. Only 12 months ago my husband and I were looking to buy in the area and there were many offerings in the cheaper pricing range (under $400k) than there are today.

After buying our home, we found that many of our neighbors were long term Thornlie dwellers and we were so pleased with the presentation of houses in our area. This got me thinking – what is it about Thornlie that has so many people setting themselves up here for life?

I spoke to local real estate agent Nathan Frisina who has been selling homes in Thornlie and the surrounding suburbs for the past 10 years. I asked him why it is exactly that people are interested in buying in the area and why they seem to stay so long.

"Thornlie is an affordable suburb with good infrastructure, shops and parks and is only 18km from the city. It is one of Perth’s largest suburbs and offers a variety of homes from $330,000 - $700,000."

When I asked about the increase in home values, Nathan explained
"Properties in the Thornlie area have increased quite dramatically in the past 12 months. The main reason for the increase in house prices in is that first home buyers have flooded back into the market.

With high rental prices and low interest rates this has encouraged first time buyers to enter the market. The population growth in WA in the past couple of years is also starting to have a positive effect on

house prices."

This is great news for home owners in the area to know that our suburb is recognized for the value it offers. Thornlie is only 20 minutes from the City of Perth with easy access to Roe Hwy, has its own train station and loads of parks and river reserves for recreation.

I went out to photograph the following streetscapes to illustrate the different appearances in the estates. I found many homes were well presented and each estate had its own style. 

Range View Way, Thornlie. Homes here are circa 1950-1960. One of the first residential streets in the Thornlie Area.

Towncentre Drive, Forrest Lakes Estate Thornlie, established in the 1990s and still growing. There is a new development area with house and land packages being built....now!

The gorgeous private Crestwood Estate, Thornlie which was established in the 1970s. All homes back onto parklands that are maintained and managed by the estate. There is also a community pool and centre for use of residents.

Discovery Drive, Castle Glen Estate, Thornlie which was established in the 1980s.

Nathan had the following advice for people looking to buy into the area soon.

"With properties selling so quickly in the area I would recommend contacting some local agents and ask to be put on their mailing lists for newly listed properties as many homes are selling before hitting the internet."

We certainly feel lucky to have bought when we did, and while we have no intention of selling any time soon, it is encouraging to know that the area is valued for the diversity and services it offers. What cannot be captured in pictures is the lush greenery and the charm of the homes, each offering a different flavour of lifestyle. It honours the progression of the suburb and is almost a living history of the area. How lucky we are to live in such a special place!

Forever 6108!