New plan for Claremont redevelopment

FIVE years after the first plans were drafted, the Town of Claremont has released its vision for a redevelopment of Claremont Oval and its surrounds.

To be developed by LandCorp, the Claremont North East Precinct project will contain about 520 new apartments and terrace houses - including a mix of one- and two-bedroom and studio apartments - along with 3,400 square metres of retail space and 11,700sqm of commercial/office space.

Twelve cottage lots, of 280sqm, have been put aside for terrace dwellings, while the rest of the residential area will be apartments, ranging from two to six storeys in height.

Most of the commercial buildings will be contained in the area between Shenton Road and the train station, in the parking area adjacent to Claremont train station, and discussions are being held to locate WA Police's western suburbs district metropolitan hub in the precinct.

Under the plans, two plazas will be created, with the oval acting as a village green space in the middle of the development.

Rooftop gardens and 'living roofs' have also been proposed, with more than 7,800sqm of public open space. In total, the area to be developed covers 7.2 hectares, which includes the council depot, Police and Citizens' Youth Centre, and land around the football club.

LandCorp is yet to decide whether to develop the site through a joint venture, as it has in Cockburn Central, or independently.

It will be the second major transit-oriented development undertaken by the government agency, as part of the Network City strategy.

Public transport is a strong focus of the plans, with a proposed Claremont-Scarborough bus service to be introduced and more frequent train services in the longer term.

A total of 1,064 car bays will be created, 620 of which will be for residents.

Claremont Mayor Peter Olson said in a statement that the precinct would be a leading example of sustainable development, creating improved pedestrian connections with the town centre.

"The overwhelming purpose is to ensure the [precinct] becomes a highly livable, people-focused area for future generations wanting to live in Claremont," Mr Olson said.

The structure plan will be advertised until October 10, before it gets adopted by council and forwarded to the WA Planning Commission for final approval, expected in 2009.