A $100m development set to inject more than 200 residencies and commercial space into the heart of Fremantle has sailed through a State planning meeting.
Sirona Urban’s eight-level mixed-use development received unanimous approval on Thursday, with plans to transform a current car park space on Point Street.
Representative Matthew McNeilly said the property business had always coveted the site for residential development.
“We are still undecided on this, if (the development will be) built to rent or built to sell,” he said.
The urban renewal and property development company are behind a series of multi-million dollar projects in the port city, including the council’s very own chambers as part of the Walyalup Civic Centre development.
The 5015sqm space would eventually be home to 215 dwellings; including 108 one-bed studios or apartments, 102 two-bed apartments and a handful of three-bedroom townhouses and apartments.
Three commercial office tenancies and two tenancies for restaurants or cafes would be available.
When built, it could provide welcome relief for the city’s vacancy rate, which currently sits at 0.97 per cent according to Real Estate Investar.
Mr McNeilly said the development aligned with State Government housing policies.
“We have a housing crisis that’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better… this plays into housing density policies,” he said.
“Fremantle is a strategic metropolitan centre and I can’t think of a better place to build out.
“We do see this as another catalytic project for Fremantle.”
The Sirona Urban representative also said there was consistent demand for people vying to live in Fremantle.
“All of the data tells us there is huge demand from downsizers, retirees, young couples and students,” he said.
“(Fremantle) has its own distinct level of community which you just don’t get around Perth.”
The development would regenerate the current car park, whose site was previously tipped for the construction of a Double Tree by Hilton.
That proposal later failed and the land was sold by SKS group in 2022 to Point Street Partners.
Fremantle’s own councillor Andrew Sullivan said the project was the result of a decade-long vision for the precinct.
“It’s kind of rare for someone like me that after 25 years you start to see the visions you have to come through,” he said.
“I think this does compliment the precinct quite well.”
JDAP presiding member Clayton Higham commended applicants on the proposal.
“From a contextual point of view, this is probably one of the best results I’ve seen in a long time,” he said.
“All I can say is well done and congratulations on the outcome.”