$107m Como development surfaces

A mystery proponent has lodged a $107 million plan to transform several Como lots into a mixed-use development featuring residential dwellings, retail spaces and a medical centre this week, the latest to be lodged with the state’s new assessment body.

Business News can reveal that the development application proposes the construction of a 10 to 15-storey mixed-use development across five adjacent sites, including 109-111 Robert Street and 469 and 471 Canning Highway, and consists of apartments, retail and commercial spaces, and a medical centre.

It is understood the proposed development would involve the retention of the existing Como Baptist Church chapel at 111 Robert Street, but the proponent has not yet been identified.

Business News understands the 2,267 square metre vacant corner block on Canning Highway was purchased by The Baptist Union of Western Australia for $2.86 million in March last year; sold by Sardelic Real Estate director Simmon Sardelic.

The union is an affiliate of the Como Baptist Church.

The applicant has lodged the proposal with the state’s Planning Commission under the state government’s new assessment pathway for significant developments, a body established to streamline the approvals process and expedite developments to assist with economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19.

The application surfaced on the website of the state government’s State Development Assessment Unit (SDAU) earlier this week, but other than the site of the proposed development and its worth, little information on the proposal is currently public.

A spokesperson from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage told Business News that the proposal was being referred to the City of South Perth and other regulatory agencies, with public consultation expected to commence in the coming weeks.