Iris Residential is preparing to launch a $130 million apartment project overlooking Claremont oval after the State Administrative Tribunal overturned objections raised by the development assessment panel and the local council.
Iris Residential is preparing to launch a $130 million apartment project overlooking Claremont oval after the State Administrative Tribunal overturned objections raised by the development assessment panel and the local council.
The developer’s plan for The Terraces at Claremont was refused by the Metro Joint West Development Assessment Panel in September last year, with concerns raised about the height of the eight-storey development and its impact on neighbouring projects.
The JDAP was also concerned about issues with traffic congestion, disruption to pedestrians and the project’s terraced structure, which it found was at odds with the area’s design guidelines.
The development was opposed by the Town of Claremont despite being backed by State Architect Geoff Warn and Claremont Football Club.
In a ruling handed down yesterday, the SAT approved the plans submitted by Iris Residential with no changes.
The tribunal’s assessment was influenced by developments that have already occurred at Claremont on the Park, as the Claremont oval precinct is now known.
It noted that new developments need to balance lot yield while maintaining human scale of buildings from the street and without adversely impacting on the amenity or character of the area.
It also noted that development of the precinct “has changed the character of this part of the town”, and consequently “the balance has shifted slightly more in favour of increased lot yield than ensuring building height does not increase”.
Iris Residential managing director Simon Trevisan said the developer was delighted to be moving forward with The Terraces.
“We believe that this is the first SAT decision based on the state government’s Design WA planning policy, which sets out the new high liveability and sustainability standards for apartments,” he said.
“A significant level of effort and investment has gone into ensuring we created an iconic and attractive development for this site – one that makes the most of the enormous north-facing frontage it offers and includes world’s best practice in environmental and sustainable design.”
The Terraces will be built on one of the last remaining sites at Claremont on the Park.
Iris said it was the biggest development site in the precinct and occupied a prime position, facing north and overlooking the oval from behind the southern goals adjacent to Shenton Road and Claremont train station.
Designed by architects HASSELL, the development features a terraced frontage to Claremont oval, maximising light and views for residents.
Mr Trevisan said project planning had been driven from the outset by a focus on enhancing liveability through high-quality design – moving away from a traditional ‘donut-shaped’ plan which would have created an overshadowed, dark internal courtyard, and opening up the development to the oval and natural light.
“It’s pleasing that this unwavering commitment to design excellence has been recognised by the Tribunal, and that we can now get on with delivering what will be an outstanding apartment project,” he said.
The Terraces at Claremont will offer 137 one, two and three-bedroom apartments with large terraces and balconies.
“The development’s design means 95 per cent of apartments are northerly-oriented, and we have incorporated world’s best-practice sustainability features including double glazing, cross-ventilation and passive solar principles, which are expected to significantly cut energy consumption for residents,” said Mr Trevisan.
“Sustainable design has been a core premise of our developments for more than two decades, and we are committed to ensuring we continue to be at the forefront of the market in this area.”
The SAT noted that the design of the apartments increased the amount of northern light into the dwellings and the internal open space.
“This in turn improves solar access, and the potential energy efficiency of the building,” it concluded.
“The design of the proposed development provides for cross ventilation which also provides the potential for improved energy efficiency.
“The tribunal is satisfied that the proposed development is consistent with the sustainability objectives of the NEP Guidelines.”
Mr Trevisan said Iris Residential would now move to open the project up to registrations of interest, with a full market launch expected in the first part of 2020.
“We will be officially opening up The Terraces for registrations very shortly and anticipate strong interest ahead of an off-the-plan launch early next year.”
Iris Residential was represented at the SAT by Hotchkin Hanly Lawyers.
