Willing Property will progress its plans for a four-storey apartment project in Mount Lawley, after the development was approved by planning authorities this morning.
Willing Property will progress its plans for a four-storey apartment project in Mount Lawley, after the development was approved by planning authorities this morning.
The Field Street project was recommended for approval by the City of Stirling earlier this month and was given the green light by the Metro Inner-North Development Assessment Panel today.
Located on the former drug rehabilitation facility at 7-9 Field Street, the project features 24 apartments (two, three and four-bedroom) and six townhouses across a 3,000 square metre site comprising three-storey and four-storey components.
The site was rezoned to Residential R60 in 2019, which allowed for a 20-unit apartment building up to three-storeys high, with the surrounding area predominantly comprising buildings two-storeys high.
However, there is no Local Development Plan in place for the site with the development, and subsequently height, instead assessed against elemental objectives (or residential design codes).
Willing Property’s proposal underwent three Design Review meetings, with the third held in December 2020 supporting most objectives, with built form and scale pending further attention.
Willing Property, part of Willing Group, was founded in 2012 by former Australian track cycling champion Tim Willing, who grew up in the Mount Lawley area and has another apartment project under way in the neighbourhood - Clifton & Central, at 181 Central Avenue.
“No. 7 Field St offers grand and refined apartment living that is yet to be seen in Mt Lawley,” Mr Willing said.
“It will essentially emulate the feel of stately, grand residences in an established suburb - taking inspiration from the beautiful, vast homes that Mt Lawley residents (and those living in surrounding suburbs) are well-acquainted with.”
The $36 million project has an estimated construction cost of $14 million.
Mr Willing said the group collaborated with Hillam Architects and heritage specialists Griffiths Architects, to integrate and consider features of the surrounding area.
“We took a very considered approach to ensure No. 7 Field exudes a sense of homely comfort, community and belonging in every detail,” Mr Willing said.
“From the rich red brick facades to the classic balustrades, reimagined townhouse chimneys and elegant corner parkland designed by Tim Davies landscaping, we trust it will be a compelling offer for those looking for contemporary, yet familiar way of life in the area.”
The development features red brick, timber and stone, as well as a central garden atrium, with resident amenities including a pool, yoga area, sauna, gym, dog wash and delivery mail room.
The proposal was advertised for public consultation late last year, receiving 20 letters in support and 61 against.
Height, building mass and scale, as well as whether the project would fit with the existing character of the area were some of the concerns raised by residents at the JDAP meeting.
But the City of Stirling concluded the project was consistent with local planning and addressed those concerns, as outlined in the officer’s Responsible Authority Report.
“The proposed development satisfies both the state heritage requirements of SPP3.5 and the requirements of the city’s local planning framework,” the officer concluded.
“The development incorporates traditional built form elements and materials into the design while avoiding imitation of traditional heritage, in particular: the development incorporates traditional red brick elements; the grouped dwellings incorporate a gable which is consistent with the pitch used on traditional dwellings; and the development incorporates the use of traditional flat arches.
“The proposed development satisfies the overall aims of the local planning scheme as the development provides a variety of housing types to the local area, with a high level of amenities and incorporates the existing vegetation into the site planning and design of the development.
“The development satisfies the objectives of the residential zone by providing residential development at a different density to the immediate surrounding area.
“Furthermore, the development will add diversity to the housing types available in the local area.”
Construction is expected to start on No.7 Field St in November this year.
