The City of Subiaco says it is “incredibly disappointed” in Planning Minister John Day’s decision to allow up to 16 storeys to be built at the Pavilion Markets site on Rokeby Road.
Mr Day today announced he had approved changes to Subiaco’s planning guidelines to allow up to 16 storeys at the site, an amendment that was rejected by the Subiaco council in 2011.
The approval has placed a three-storey restriction on the height of development on Roberts and Rokeby roads, with 16 storeys allowable only at the rear of the site.
An artist's impression of a redeveloped Pavilion Markets site.
Mr Day said the changes would ensure the development would include public arcades, food and beverage outlets, hotel rooms and apartments.
The site is considered to be essential to the revitalisation of the ailing Subiaco retail scene.
“The pavilion site’s proximity to Subiaco train station, retail, job opportunities and the CBD make it a prime candidate for a development of this kind,” Mr Day said.
“I’m satisfied this amendment is appropriate for the area and will complement Subiaco’s unique character.”
Sydney-based developer D2 Property's proposal for the site includes 232 apartments, 94 short-stay hotel rooms, 18 specialty shops as well as a supermarket and conference facilities.
D2 managing director Ian Day said the company was thrilled with the minister's decision after three years of pursuing the proposal.
"The residential component of the project will create new levels of design and style, offering a range of afforability not previously seen in the Perth market," D2's Mr Day said.
"This will bring much-needed life and vitality back to the heart of Subiaco which will also have a flow-on effect for retailers throughout the town centre who have struggled in recent years."
An artist's impression of the interior laneways possible at the site.
However, Subiaco Mayor Heather Henderson said Mr Day had completely disregarded the community’s wishes for the site.
“In making this decision, the minister is changing the face of Subiaco forever,” Ms Henderson said.
City of Subiaco chief executive Stephen Tindale said a more appropriate development would be limited to eight storeys.
“There is more to distinguishing a town centre than population and retail floor space,” he said.
“Planning needs to be about built form too. This type of development is completely at odds with Subiaco’s building typology, which is European in nature.”
Despite the opposition from council, Subiaco residents gave their overwhelming support to the redevelopment in December last year, with just 2 per cent of the 729 submissions received by council in opposition to the proposal.
Once the amendment is finalised, the Pavilion Markets’ landowner will still have to submit a development application to the city before commencing construction.
An artist's impression of the site from Roberts Road.
