Perth hotelier Graham Hardie will proceed with a $140 million apartment project on Roe Street Northbridge after the state government today withdrew its plans to resume his property for a new Police complex.
Facing mounting pressure from the community and a $15 million budget blowout, the government has switched its focus to a commercial site it owns on the corner of Roe and Fitzgerald Streets, near the Metropolis City nightclub, to build the new $95 million complex.
Police Minister John Kobelke said delays in acquiring the original site on the corner of Roe and Lake Streets were unacceptable.
"I am not prepared to delay the construction of this facility any longer. The resumption order has been ceased on the previous site in Roe Street to ensure we deliver better policing to the Northbridge and Perth CBD as soon as possible," he said.
The government backdown is a major victory for Mr Hardie, who has waged an eight month public campaign to keep the former Peters ice cream factory site he has owned for more than 20 years.
Currently holidaying in Ireland, Mr Hardie said the government's decision was in Northbridge's best long term interests and would foster greater diversity in the precinct.
"I have appreciated the willingness of the minister for planning, the premier and the police commissioner, to listen and respect the views of Northbridge and the broader community," he said in a statement.
Mr Hardie thanked his supporters including the Northbridge community, the City of Perth, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, and the Property Council of WA.
It is unknown whether Mr Hardie will seek government compensation for legal costs incurred after he took his case to the Supreme Court in March.
Perth Lord Mayor Dr Peter Nattrass joined the chorus of people to welcome the decision today, commending Mr Kobelke for taking into account the concerns of council and the Northbridge community.
"By not proceeding with the original proposal, the way is now clear for the Lake and James Street corner to become an inviting entry statement for Northbridge," he said.
Construction of the new complex comprising a Magistrates Court, holding cells and police station is expected to begin in early 2009 and be completed by early 2011.
