Perth Girls School plan one step closer

A $1 billion proposal to develop an apartment complex at the former Perth Girls School site will be considered by one of the state government’s redevelopment committees next month.

Affordable housing provider Assemble,  ADC_, formerly Australian Development Capital, and Tim Roberts’ Warburton Group will develop the 1.8 hectare precinct in East Perth.

Their application, submitted to DevelopmentWA, includes two 25-storey build to sell apartment towers, one primary build to rent tower of 15 and 36 storeys and a second build to rent tower of 15 storeys, at the corner of Wellington and Bronte Streets.

The Central Perth Land Redevelopment Committee will put forward its recommendation to the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority Board after its meeting on June 7.

A report said the committee should recommend the MRA board approve the proposal.

The development is proposed to include 742 dwellings, including 100 affordable housing units, across four towers of up to 36 storeys, retail and entertainment districts.

A shopping complex will also be included and the existing Perth Girls School building is proposed to be repurposed into office, restaurants, cafes, art gallery spaces and a sport and recreation facility.

A microbrewery, car parks, bicycle parks and end-of-trip facilities are also planned for the site.

ADC_ acquired the 1.8-hectare site in 2017 and the state government adopted new design guidelines for the site in July 2020.

The fund managers proposed a six tower $1 billion development at the area, which backs onto the heritage-listed former Perth Girls School, in late 2020.

According to the report, the development aims to deliver affordable and social housing across the site with 25 of the Build to Rent dwellings proposed as special disability accommodation.

"It is considered that the proposal will positively contribute to the Plain Street precinct by revitalising an underutilised heritage site with a high-quality built form and urban design outcome," the report said.

"The proposal will contribute to the creation of a cultural and creative industry hub in East Perth, expand the range of housing options in close proximity to the Perth CBD and provide for a critical mass of population."