Group lodges 18 to 20-storey boomers apartment tower plan
LONDON: A development group is planning a 20 storey boomers apartment complex to the centre of a new community.
A vision for the prime Floreat shopping centre site featuring an 18 to 20-storey tower and hundreds of apartments has been formally lodged with the Town of Cambridge.
Investment group APIL Group lodged its Floreat Precinct Structure Plan for the 42,000sqm site, which has been earmarked by the town for hundreds of new dwellings in a bid to meet State Government housing targets.
The development plans promise 900 to 1250 dwellings across the site, as well as 11,000sqm of commercial space.
The proposed design has seven towers, including an 18 to 20-storey apartment complex in the northwest corner of the site and a 12 to 14-storey tower in the south.
If approved, the precinct would see the reintroduction of Chandler Avenue as a west-east one-way route through the property and an open space for community events.
The shopping centre, which was built in 1965 as Perth’s first American-style mall, will remain but is proposed for future upgrades in line with the staging of the residential developments.
The library is currently owned by the town and while it is included in the plan for future redevelopment, any relocation of the library will require the town’s approval.
APIL managing director Peter Hughes said the precinct plan was an important next step in the process to meet the State Government’s population growth targets.
“We know our tenants and their customers are looking forward to the future evolution of Floreat Forum, given the large role it’s played in the community over the years,” he said.
“The future of Floreat will provide a response to the strong demand for increased residential density whilst providing an opportunity for those looking to downsize to remain in the area that they know and love.
“Over the last six years we have spent considerable resources on every element of the proposal, from consulting with neighbouring residents within the activity centre zone, our tenants, traffic management considerations, addressing overshadowing and environmental considerations, all to ensure the best possible outcome is secured for the town and the local community.”
The plan was lodged with the Town of Cambridge after going through three design review panels beginning in 2021, a community survey and landowner workshops.
The survey, which had more than 500 responses, saw residents calling for community feel, easy access, convenience, outdoor spaces and a diversity of offerings.
Town of Cambridge councillors want plans for Floreat Forum made public.
About 67 per cent of residents in the proposed site and 30 per cent of retail tenants also attended community engagement meetings in the lead up to the plan being lodged.
“The feedback from these exercises have shaped and directed the PSP to ensure that the vision meets the needs of those who will use it,” Mr Hughes said.
The town will be holding its own community public meetings in February and March before submitting a report to the WA Planning Commission later this year.
It is expected to provide a recommendation to the WAPC by September. The WAPC has final say on the plan and will consider the proposal after receiving council feedback.
APIL Group expects it will be 18 months before the design is finalised and approved.
