Subiaco Triple Towers Greenlit Despite Councils’ Misgivings

A triple-tower residential apartment project planned by trans-Australian Cedar Woods at Subiaco in Perth’s exclusive western suburbs has been approved despite planners from two local authorities being dead against it.

Approved by the WA Planning Commission’s Statutory Planning Committee on April 15 was a positive recommendation by Western Australian government planning director Paola Di Perna.

If built as approved, the $150-million project, named ‘Verde Subiaco’, will rise on a 9784sq m site at 2 Upham Street.

The project comprises three buildings of 12, 9 and 7 storeys planned to contain 236 apartments and a commercial tenancy.

Ahead of the committee meeting, the City of Subiaco and adjoining Town of Cambridge cited the scale of development, purported departures from the applicable planning framework and the absence of a local development plan for the site in their objections to the scheme.

Cedar Woods instead argued that the proposal was consistent with the applicable strategic planning framework.

Di Perna’s report said impacts from the project were generally addressed through conditions she had recommended.

▲ A state panel has approved Cedar Woods’ Verde Subiaco project against the wishes of two inner-Perth municipalities.

Designed by Rothelowman, the buildings would comprise a total of 62 one-bedroom, 101 two-bedroom and 73 three-bedroom apartments. A communal swimming pool and shared dining and living areas would be located on the first floor.

The project would have 322 residential and two commercial parking bays, 162 bicycle bays and 236 storerooms.

Cedar Woods managing director Nathan Blackburne said Verde Subiaco would add to inner Perth’s housing mix.

“We are seeing renewed momentum in the apartment sector, with strong demand for Subiaco apartments evident at our neighbouring Incontro project,” he said. 

Cedar Woods plans to develop the project in partnership with Tokyo Gas Real Estate Australia; the fourth collaboration between the two groups nationally.

A total of 162 public submissions were received on the project with 140 opposing the project, 20 supporting and two neutral.

This article, previously published under the headline Subiaco Triple Towers Endorsed Against Two Councils’ Wishes has been updated and republished.