Locus’ $38m Freo townhouses approved

It was a case of third time lucky for Locus Development Group after an assessment panel approved its redesigned Fremantle townhouses that were estimated to cost $38 million.

The Metro Inner Joint Development Assessment Panel today unanimously approved Locus's Monument East development, a 57-townhouse project at the corner of Stack and Amherst streets in Fremantle.

Locus's first design for the project comprised 55 townhouses, estimated to cost $21.5 million.

After the JDAP refused the proposal in November 2022, Locus went back to the drawing board but was again knocked back.

The Subiaco-based developer submitted a revised application to build 57 townhouses, 24 residential apartments and seven commercial tenancies on an expanded site earlier this year.

Locus acquired a 3,695 square metre vacant lot on Amherst Street for $3.52 million last year, bringing its landholding in the area known as Knutsford precinct to 1.4 hectares.

City of Fremantle also supported the third iteration of Monument East project, recommending the DAP approve the $38 million proposal.

Locus Property director Damian Long said the development proposal had been heavily informed by an extensive community engagement process.

"This lead to the inclusion of a diversity of product, with two-, three- and four-bedroom homes as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments now, as well as a small precinct of commercial units," Mr Long told Business News.

"We’re confident that the project will not only meet community expectations but enhance the residential offering in Fremantle in this prime location.

"It’s now very exciting to transition into the delivery phase of this project and bring it to life."

The original application was lodged in May 2022 and has been revised multiple times after an extensive period of engagement, according to the development application.