During the 1960s the area’s population grew quickly with families moving into modern brick houses on large blocks provided at low cost loans by the state government. A number of flats were also constructed in the area. The Coolbellup Shopping Centre was established in the middle of the suburb, with the adjacent Coolbellup Motor Hotel. The hotel was demolished in 2014.^[4][5]

By the late 1980s Coolbellup’s post-war population boom was over and gradually the demographics changed from young families with children to older residents. The suburb’s appearance was also in need or revitalisation.

During the late 1990s a suburb revitalisation project began. This included demolition of flats and replacement with higher quality dwellings. Some flats have also been converted to high quality apartments. Roads, parks and sporting grounds have also been improved.

The changes, together with the suburb’s location and Perth real estate trends, have resulted in a significant increase in property values in the area. Most public housing has now been sold off to private owners. The houses in the area are typified as 1960s 3 bedroom 1 bathroom brick and tile cottages with solid timber floors on 700 sqm. blocks. These houses are once again proving popular with younger couples and families seeking character homes within 15 km of the CBD.

Splash Hounds Mobile Dog Wash and Hydro-Bath have been washing dogs in this suburb since late 2000. The warm fresh water used in the Hydro-Bath is a welcome change from the “standard” dog wash service used in mobile dog wash services.