It is the main east-west road in the centre of Northbridge.

A section of the eastern end of the street has been closed and modified as the James Street Mall in the Perth Cultural Centre – with the Western Australian Museum, Alexander Library Building and older government buildings contained within the culture centre area.

[2][3] The central section between William Street and to the western end at Russell Square is a streetscape with a colourful and extensive history of crime, and notoriety.

[4] Until December 2016, the Mitchell Freeway had a southbound exit onto the street.

The exit was removed and replaced with one at Roe Street to enable the construction of the Charles Street Bus Bridge.