PRM selected for Geraldton development

Perth-based PRM Property Holdings has been chosen to partner with LandCorp to construct 100 homes at the Bluff Point suburb within Geraldton in preparation for the $4 billion Oakajee deepwater port and rail project.

Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said PRM Property Holdings was chosen to develop the 8.4ha site after submitting an impressive proposal to cater for a range of lifestyle choices and offering alternatives to the housing options currently on offer in Geraldton.

Mr Grylls said Geraldton was poised to become a major centre for business, trade, commerce and tourism.

"As a result, the impact of proposed major projects such as the $4billion Oakajee Port and the Oakajee Industrial Estate will mean Geraldton will become the permanent home base for workers and their families," he said.

"It is essential that the region has an adequate supply of sustainable land to meet this demand."

The Minister said LandCorp and PRM would consult with the community on the site's overall design. Public open space which comprised 2ha of the site would play an important role in the plan and would include the retention of both the heritage-listed Gatekeeper's Cottage and the historic railway cutting.

"PRM's strategies to reduce energy and water usage and its recognition of the important environmental and heritage value of the Bluff Point site were very clearly addressed in their submission," Mr Grylls said.

The site, would deliver approximately 75 single lots and three grouped housing sites.

PRM Property Group managing director Steve Robertson, a former Bluff Point resident, said his own local knowledge would provide valuable insight into transforming the site into a sustainable, enriched community.

"We are very pleased to be given the opportunity to work collaboratively with LandCorp and other stakeholders to deliver this landmark project, which will ultimately provide a point of difference by offering opportunities for a variety of contemporary housing options," Mr Robertson said.

The Minister said this was LandCorp's first partnering arrangement with PRM, which is also developing sites in the Perth metro area including Banksia Grove and Mevé at Beeliar.

LandCorp sought expressions of interest from the private sector in October 2009 to partner in the development of the site, which spans the suburbs of Bluff Point and Beresford, less than four kilometres north of Geraldton's CBD.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney welcomed the Minister's announcement.

"The release of this centrally located site would assist the development of the city as they are close to the urban centre services," Mr Blayney said.

"I believe the City of Geraldton-Greenough should also begin releasing some of its centrally located land parcels to assist potential residents."