DEVELOPER 3 Oceans is seeking State Government help after its proposal for a 43-storey development in Scarborough was rejected.
The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) refused the application for a ‘twin towers’ style development at the former Contacio site, citing “significant overdevelopment”.
Managing director Dyno Zhang said his company would meet with Planning Minister Rita Saffioti early this week.
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Premier Mark McGowan said he was keen to see high-rise development in Scarborough.
“I’m a supporter of high-rise there, I thought the project itself was a good project and we’re looking at what could be done to progress the 3 Oceans concept and the Planning Minister is working on that,” he said.
“The State has invested $100 million in the Scarborough Beach redevelopment and we’ve got to create life and vitality around that, and private sector investment to create jobs and excitement, so that’s the plan.”
Stirling mayor Mark Irwin has also given his support to the Iconic Scarborough project.
He believed the height of the 43-storey and 35-storey towers was suitable for the area but the “bulk and scale” of the ground levels was what concerned the MRA.
“I wasn’t necessarily surprised it got knocked back, the bulk and scale was in excess of the discretion they had to approve it,” he said.
“It’s encouraging to see 3 Oceans consulting…I’d like to see 3 Oceans and Iconic Scarborough developed on the site.”
Urban Development Institute of Australia was more scathing in its criticism of the refusal, with chief executive Alison Hailes calling the decision “short sighted and extremely disappointing”.
“The MRA is sending a message to potential developers and investors in the area that we are not open to innovation or vision, we just want more of the same bland development that has stymied many areas in Perth from achieving their potential,” she said.
“The Iconic Scarborough project would have been a catalyst for further private sector investment and regeneration of the area and set a very high standard for future developments.
“It would be an absolute asset to the broader Scarborough community.”
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