South Perth planning in the spotlight
An important precinct for Perth’s future growth, South Perth is the focus of significant planning updates, reviews and recent decisions. Beyond a couple of key development application approvals, the City of South Perth Council will shortly consider Amendment 61, which would amend the local Town Planning Scheme and zoning to accommodate the draft South Perth Activity Centre Plan. A review of the existing Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan is also out for public comment until Wednesday this week.
Planning Minister Rita Saffioti recently decided to call in a decision on Finbar’s proposed Civic Heart development after the Metro Central JDAP voted to refuse the Development Application. The decision is an acknowledgement by the State Government that the Civic Heart site and proposed development, located between Mill Point Road, Labouchere Road and Mends Street, is an outcome of statewide significance given its landmark status and the process undertaken to this point.
Metro Central JDAP met twice last week to reconsider two significant Development Applications within the proposed South Perth Peninsula Activity Centre. On 18 November, Metro Central JDAP voted to approve Sirona Capital’s revised plans for their Lyall Residences project opposite Perth Zoo, a 37-storey mixed use development only a stone’s throw away across Labouchere Road from Civic Heart. This decision follows the Panel’s initial decision to refuse the application in December 2018 and a State Administrative Tribunal mediation process that saw Sirona reduce the height of the building and reconfigure elements of its community benefit offering.
Singaporean based NL Homes Melville’s proposal on Melville Parade in South Perth was also reconsidered and approved by Metro Central JDAP on Wednesday 20 November. This proposal will see a 26-level tower nestled close to the Kwinana Freeway, down from the initial 31-storeys proposed when the development application was first lodged.
Property Council WA has been advised that the City of South Perth will consider whether to endorse and adopt Amendment 61 at its upcoming Council Meeting on 17 December. Given the outcomes of these decisions before the City of South Perth, Property Council WA will closely monitor developments in South Perth. Members with feedback or concerns about these impending actions are encouraged to contact our Advocacy Team.