COUNCIL is not supporting plans to turn the Old Swan Brewery site into a complex with twenty-eight apartments, eating houses, offices and car parking.
Most councillors believe the public has been misled about the level of use they will get from the building.
Councillor Noel Semmens said this proposal seemed to have fewer public uses included than the one council considered in June.
At that time the developer Multiplex proposed a service station on the northern side of Mounts Bay Road. It also proposed removing the art galleries, 150 person theatrette and museum that had been on the plans for the development since 1992.
Councillor Jennifer MacGill said she had real problems with the development.
“Its a travesty of what was originally planned,” Mrs MacGill said.
“They have taken one of the best spots on the river and reserved it for the very wealthy. The public open space allowed in this proposal is not going to be as great as it originally was.”
Council officer Peter Monks said the only difference with this proposal was a reduction in the number of restaurant tenancies.
“However, the floor area allowed for restaurants is only down by forty-five square metres,” Mr Monks said.
“The public perception of public building access is greatly inconsistent with the terms of the lease the developers signed with the WA Government.”
In this case, council does not have the ultimate say on the development. That power lies with the WA Planning Commission.
However, council CEO Garry Hunt said council’s comments would have some influence on the final decision.