Vincent moves on Newcastle Street

With transit-oriented, high density development firmly on the state government's agenda, the Town of Vincent is planning to rezone a large area of land along Newcastle Street to allow mixed-use development of five and six storeys in height.

Like other local governments in Perth, the town is keen to avoid ad hoc development by pre-empting any proposals with a broad planning strategy.

The area, which runs along Newcastle Street to Leederville, would also include some streets off Loftus Street and part of the West Perth fringe.

Town of Vincent Mayor Nick Catania said the area would lend itself to more high-density development, with a mix of office and residential uses.

"We're getting an increasing number of development applications for fourand five-storey buildings, which indicates demand is rising," he said.

"But it's very important that we give direction, so we don't get applications that presume what kind of development will be allowed." Mr Catania said the area had the advantage of close proximity to the CBD, which would allow residents to be less reliant on both private and public transport.

He said the plan also had the support of Planning Minister Alannah MacTiernan, with a proposed extension of the CAT bus system being discussed to connect with Leederville train station.

"But we have got to have the access there - we're certainly not going to just build anywhere," Mr Catania said.

"Fitzgerald Street has about 24,000 cars along it every day, and we don't want to clog the area with traffic." One property owner with a site lying within the rezoning area has already lodged a development application with the town.

Located on the corner of Newcastle and Charles streets, the application is for a five-storey office building, which would be much taller than other buildings in the area.

On the West Perth side of Newcastle Street, near the freeway interchange at Charles Street, the building height limit is likely to reach eight storeys.

An increased residential component would also help the town achieve its dwelling targets under the state government's Network City policy.

Dwelling targets for individual councils are due to be announced next month.

"I think we'll meet our targets.

The real test is to meet them in a sophisticated and aesthetic style.

We want good, imaginative architecture," Mr Catania said.

"There may be people that have reservations, but it will help to preserve the inner suburban area and the streets.

People have to expect there is going to be more density and height, because of where our town is located." The Town of Vincent is also finalising its Leederville plan, which had a more ambitious aim of up to 24 storeys initially.