$70m Empire Bar plan hangs in the balance

A $70 million plan to revamp the site of The Empire Bar could be derailed after the Town of Victoria Park recommended the Joint Development Assessment Panel refuse the proposal.

Last year, Rowe Group, acting on behalf of Miliax, lodged an application proposing development of a 10-storey complex on the 16,000 square metre site on Great Eastern Highway in Lathlain, featuring eight floors of office accommodation, two levels of basement parking and a plaza with an office lobby, shop and a restaurant.

The application also proposed the removal of the existing liquor store, which would be replaced by a new building containing consulting rooms and a new liquor store, as well as alterations to the existing hotel and landscaping works within the Maple Street road reserve.

The proposal has since been reviewed by the Town of Victoria Park, which has recommended the panel refuse it on the basis that its height and bulk makes it inconsistent with the town’s planning scheme.

Among the reasons for refusal, the local government indicated that it had concerns over the adverse impact the commercial development may have on adjacent residential properties.

The Metro Inner-South JDAP is expected to decide whether to approve the development application when it meets next week.