Flat proposal for old Swan brewery

Tuesday, 22 June, 1999 - 22:00
THE much heralded Old Swan Brewery redevelopment is in danger of becoming another block of flats – with a service station attached.

Council is opposed to the change of use but has no planning authority over the site because it is on WA Government-owned land.

It was initially proposed the building would have an art gallery, museum and theatrette. Now it is proposed to house 29 apartments, five eating houses, shops, offices and a service station.

Councillor Bert Tudori said when the site had first been leased to Bluegate Nominees, one condition was the provision of some public space.

“Now that’s been taken away,” Mr Tudori said.

Council CEO Garry Hunt said the public space definition was under question.

“There’s been a view given by the applicant that the view we’ve taken on public uses is narrower than that normal people would take,” Mr Hunt said.

Deputy Lord Mayor Michael Sutherland said it was disappointing to see the art gallery taken out of the development.

“All of us here expected it to be a tourist attraction,” Mr Sutherland said. “Now it is just going to be another block of flats.”