The City of Perth has declared part of the city a conservation area, restricting future development.
Councilors voted last night to declare Barrack Street a conservation area from south of Hay Street through to Wellington Street.
The declaration includes some properties east of Murray Street.
The heritage value of the area, including significant buildings such as the Yates Chambers and McNess Royal and Bon Marche Arcades, will be protected.
It will limit future development of buildings in the area and maintain the historical component of the district.
The deputy Lord Mayor, Janet Davidson, says it was a unanimous decision.
"The buildings are fairly historical," she said.
"It also means that we can consider planning applications and when we do so we consider the street as a whole. That certainly helps to keep, maintain the integrity of that particular area."
Ms Davidson says the decision was essential to ensure historical buildings are maintained.
"A lot of the older buildings have gone, so it's rather nice that we can create this particular area in order to, as I say, maintain that integrity," she said.
The council also agreed to list another seven properties on its Register of Places of Cultural Heritage Significance.
Source: ABC News