$365 million Civic Heart development gets the green light

$365 million Civic Heart development in South Perth has been given the go-ahead. This contentious decision has been made despite similarities to the Gold Coast skyscraper Q1.

The property developer, Finbar, received approval from Metro Central Joint Development Assessment Panel back in 2015 for the development of the 8,208sq m site. Trading was put on hold by the ASX listed company while the decision was made by Rita Saffioti, the WA planning minister.

The new towers, designed by SS Chang Architects, will be 39 ad 22 storeys high and include 309 residential apartments. The development will include the revitalisation of heritage listed former South Perth Police Station and adjacent Post Office as well as a new community precinct on the ground level.

Saffioti used her legislative powers to make the decision for the development due to the importance of the project.

She included additional conditions in relation to the podium and green wall construction and sought clarification for waterproofing, subsoil seepage and 100-year-flood preparations.

“I have considered this application on its merits, taking into account the strategic significance of this site, relevant planning frameworks, the submissions put forward to me and the broad range of views,” she said.

In her deliberations, Saffioti considered submissions from the developer, the City of South Perth, the Metro Central JDAP and public submissions.

Finbar managing director Darren Pateman said the development links the foreshore to the Perth Zoo and incorporates one of Australia’s largest green walls at over 700 square metres.

“We have recently sold out of our South Perth Stock at nearby Reva and Aurelia developments and are very keen to bring this flagship project to a market showing positive signs of price recovery,” Pateman said.

“This development will end years of uncertainty and finally deliver on the vision for the South Perth area.”