An assessment panel has approved Bluerock Projects’ $36 million plan to build housing for incoming defence personnel south of Perth.
An assessment panel has approved Bluerock Projects’ $36 million plan to build housing for incoming defence personnel south of Perth.
Bluerock Projects is one step closer in building a 167-dwelling development on 7 McNicholl Street in Rockingham, after obtaining approval from the Metro Outer Development Assessment Panel today.
The North Perth-based developer’s proposal comprises two four-storey build-to-rent apartment complexes with a mix of dwellings ranging from one to three bedrooms.
In its application, Bluerock said the mix of housing would support the growing influx of defence personnel and families relocating to the area as the government expands operations in Rockingham.
Urbis director Tim Dawkins, on behalf of Bluerock said this could be the biggest residential project in Rockingham, that comprises of multiple dwellings on freehold lots.
“It’s less than two years until American soldiers start turning up here so we do have a housing problem in WA and Australia, and more generally, we also need more housing in Rockingham,” he said at the DAP meeting.
HMAS Stirling in Rockingham is being prepared to host rotational presence of United States and United Kingdom submarines from 2027.
The federal government announced it would invest up to $8 billion to expand HMAS Stirling, creating about 3,000 jobs.
In December, deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the Rockingham region was at the forefront of the federal government’s defence investment in WA, and would be critical in supporting Australia’s AUKUS pathway.
The McNicholl apartments was designed by Rothelowman, in collaboration with DevelopmentWA and Defence Housing Australia, according to the DAP documents.
“The application proposes much needed accommodation with good diversity in the dwelling types,” DAP presiding member Dale Page said.
It comes after Bluerock acquired the 1.94-hectare vacant site for $4 million last month.
The site was acquired in a joint venture with Australian Residential Properties.
