Work has finally started at the controversial Guildford Hotel site, more than six years after it was gutted by fire.
The hotel's owners said "pre-enabling works" started on Thursday, which would allow a new roof to be installed. The Heritage Council gave its approval for the new roof last month.
"The roof will pull together the remaining structure and protect the enclosed section of the hotel," owner Luke Martino said.
Mr Martino said "key community members" and local business owners were involved in the consultation process.
One of the hired consultants indicated that feedback had been positive to date, though concerns had been raised about parking.
"Some were concerned, but most were interested and excited to see progress and a number were positive," Cath Blake-Powell said.
"One business owner [stated] he had been talking to residents and they were supportive."
A website and social media accounts were set up to interact with the public earlier this month.
Two accounts are present on Twitter - one official feed, and another which appears to have been set up by local protesters.
On Thursday morning, Guildford resident Andrew Kiely dressed as a pioneer and pulled a wooden cart through Perth's city centre to protest a proposed residential development at the historic hotel site.
The City of Swan is scheduled to discuss the plans next month.
"This issue is not simply a local council issue. The Guildford Hotel is heritage listed for the benefit of all WA residents." Mr Kiely said.
"Guildford is a heritage town for the sake of everybody in WA. It's not just there so councillors can do what they want with it, it's not there so developers can just build a seven storey building whenever they like."
"This is a state issue, it should be brought before parliament."
Concerned residents will hold a meeting at the Guildford Town Hall on Sunday.
