A development assessment panel has given the green light for the Western Australian division of the Air Force Association to expand its Bull Creek estate with a $26.1 million facility.
A development assessment panel has given the green light for the Western Australian division of the Air Force Association to expand its Bull Creek estate with a $26.1 million facility.
The Metro Inner-South Joint Development Assessment Panel unanimously approved the RAAFA WA Division’s proposal for a six-storey retirement living facility on Bull Creek Drive at its meeting yesterday.
The development comprises a six-storey building, to be known as the Stirling Building, of 63 bedroom units, a basement carpark, a communal recreation facility and an outdoor courtyard on the ground floor.
The carpark will include 75 car bays, 30 bicycle bays and bays for gopher parking in addition to 27 car parking spaces in front of the building.
The development application, prepared by town planners element with designs by Plus Architecture, said the proposed building is part of the RAAFA’s ongoing renewal of aging housing stock at the site.
“The development directly responds to the urgent need for additional new retirement living opportunities on the RAAFA site,” it said.
Existing four two-storey buildings will be demolished for the development.
According to the application, the proposed building name Stirling paid homage to one of RAAFA’s residents.
“The proposed building is to be known as the Stirling building, which is named after the Short Stirling, a British four-engine heavy bomber used during World War II,” the application said.
“The Stirling name also honours one of the RAAFA estate’s oldest living residents, Jean Oliver, and her family.
“Jean’s husband George, a decorated returned serviceman, joined the RAAF when he was 18 years old and flew Short Stirlings with the RAF 196 Squadron during the WWII.
“George was also a receipt of the ‘Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur’ – the highest French order of merit, both military and civilian, for his service during WWII.”
The Air Force Memorial Estate, established in 1973, covers about 11 hectares and offers facilities for retirement living, residential aged care, short stay accommodation for visiting families and amenities including cafe, restaurant, sports bar, bowling club and function room.
A responsible authority report prepared by City of Melville said the proposal would make a positive contribution to the RAAFA community and would not result in adverse amenity impacts for adjoining users.
"It is also expected that a higher level of family and carers will visit the site compared to a standard residential development," the report said.
"A high number of visitor parking bays has been provided to accommodate this demand.
"A gopher parking area in the basement has been provided which can cater for approximately 5 gophers. This is considered a more appropriate and required amenity for the residents."
The RAAFA also provides retirement and residential care services in Albany, Cambrai Village in Merriwa, the Merriwa Estate, Erskine Grove and Meadow Springs.
