Planning Minister Rita Saffioti today announced her approval of the Civic Heart development on the South Perth Peninsula.
The decision ends years of uncertainty around the future of the strategically important site at the corner of Labouchere and Mill Point roads in South Perth.
The final approval allows for construction of two residential towers up to 39 and 22 storeys high. This will include 309 residential dwellings, a community precinct at ground level and adaptive reuse of the heritage police station and post office buildings.
Construction is expected to generate hundreds of jobs, while further ongoing jobs will be created upon completion through the 25 ground floor commercial tenancies.
The development will create a more vibrant destination at the top of Mends Street, and will include several improvements to community space such as extensive tree planting, new businesses, a green wall and new laneways.
In October last year, the Planning Minister made use of legislative powers to 'call-in' the development application for her determination due to the significance of the site.
The call-in followed years of planning for the site by the City of South Perth and the developer, including assessment of the proposal through a design review panel and support for the proposal through the City of South Perth's Responsible Authority Report.
However, the proposal was ultimately refused by the Metropolitan Central Joint Development Assessment Panel in October last year.
In making her decision, the Minister considered submissions from the developer, the City of South Perth, the Metropolitan Central JDAP and public submissions. Copies of those submissions and the decision are available at https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/
The Minister has imposed additional conditions in relation to the podium and green wall construction. She has also sought clarification on measures to address subsoil water seepage, building water-proofing and 100-year flood levels.
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"I have considered this application on its merits, taking into account the strategic significance of this site, relevant planning frameworks, the submissions put forward to me and the broad range of views.
"I considered the overall scale of this proposal to be appropriate given the prominence of the location, the clear distinction between the two towers, incorporation of heritage elements and climate responsive design.
"This development will end years of uncertainty and finally deliver on the vision for the South Perth area."
