Planning Minister John Day approves contentious 16-storey tower for Subiaco
A CONTENTIOUS 16-storey tower which will “change the face of Subiaco forever” has been approved — despite opposition.
A CONTENTIOUS 16-storey tower has been approved for the Pavilion Markets site in Subiaco today despite ongoing opposition from the local community and council.
Planning Minister John Day today announced he had approved a planning scheme amendment which would require the council to allow the building at its proposed height.
Mr Day said the development, on the corner of Roberts and Rokeby roads, would help rejuvenate Subiaco and attract more people to the area.
He said the amendment would ensure any development on the site would include public arcades, food and beverage outlets and short stay hotel rooms and apartments “with a focus on street activation and high-quality design outcomes”.
“The Pavilion site’s proximity to the Subiaco train station, retail, job opportunities and the CBD make it a prime candidate for a development of this kind,” Mr Day said.
“I am satisfied this amendment is appropriate for the area and will complement Subiaco’s unique character.”
But Subiaco Mayor Heather Henderson said the City, which initially rejected the proposed development based on its height, was incredibly disappointed by the minister’s decision.
“The Minister for Planning has completely disregarded the community’s wishes in approving sixteen storeys for the Pavilion Markets site,” Ms Henderson said.
“In making this decision, the Minister is changing the face of Subiaco forever.”
Subiaco chief executive Stephen Tindale said the city’s strategic planning and research indicated a height of eight storeys would allow the city to meet density and dwelling targets, while retaining the character of the area.
“There is more to distinguishing a town centre than population and retail floor space,” Mr Tindale said.
“Planning needs to be about built form too.
“This type of development is completely at odds with Subiaco’s building typology, which is European in nature.”
Community group Save Our Subiaco representative Linda Rogers said a 16-storey building was not appropriate for the site and did not fit with the character of Subiaco.
The landowners will need to submit a development application to the city for approval once the scheme amendment is finalised.
Design group Roberts Day and D2 Property developers are the project team representing the site’s private owners.
D2 Property managing director Ian Day said the group was excited to be able to get the project moving.
“We are thrilled with the Minister’s decision which has come after a very thorough and lengthy three year dialogue with the community, during which we received overwhelming support for our vision and heart for this site and for Subiaco,” Mr Day said.
“This will bring much needed life and vitality back to the heart of Subiaco which will also have a flow on effect for retailers throughout the town centre who have struggled in recent years.”
Mr Day said the design teams were consulting with the same architects who worked on the Brookfield Place precinct.
“We’re working with the very best teams in Perth to bring a stylish and eclectic mix of specialist food, dining and entertainment venues to this site,” he said.
“We do expect the project to sell out quite quickly.
“There is nothing like it on offer in the Western Suburbs that will allow people to live affordably so close to the CBD and the ocean and right on the train line.
“We plan to have a selection of apartments available for pre-release purchaser registration and more information will be available about that shortly.”