Blueways resubmits $62m Broadway projects

Two apartment projects in Nedlands will have to go through a fresh approval process after the developer found it was no longer feasible to build the original plans.

Blueways Group has submitted new applications, with updated designs by Hassell, for two of its already-approved apartment projects along Broadway in Nedlands.

A six-storey residential development named Jardin Residences at 87-89 Broadway, comprising 36 dwellings and an office, was approved by a joint development assessment panel in March 2021.

Another Blueways Group project dubbed Bloom Residences on 95 Broadway, a seven-storey development comprising 38 apartments, was approved by the panel in September 2020.

According to the submitted applications for both projects, it was no longer financially feasible to deliver the proposed developments as initially approved.

The original construction costs estimated for the projects were $13 million each, but the updated applications show Bloom Residences is estimated to cost $31.5 million while Jardin Residences is expected to cost $31 million.

“At this time, significant challenges within the building and construction industry began to emerge with COVID-19 having significant impacts on the fabrication and availability of construction material, as well as labour,” the applications said.

“Notwithstanding the challenges that are still facing the building and construction industry with respect to costs and availability of materials and labour, the project team and developer have worked collaboratively to design an updated development design that is financially feasible, responds to the current residential market and applicable planning framework to ensure this development can be delivered along Broadway and contribute to the overall area.”

The proposed Jardin Residences on 87-89 Broadway, Nedlands. Image: Hassell via City of Nedlands

In the application for 95 Broadway, no additional apartments are proposed but the overall quality and size of the dwellings have been amended.

Existing buildings on the 95 Broadway site had been demolished and interested parties for both developments have entered into pre-sales contracts, according to the updated applications.

Two apartments are proposed to be added to Jardin Residences, on top of increase in dwelling sizes.

The fresh development applications were submitted to the Metro Inner-North JDAP and are out for public feedback through the City of Nedlands.