Stirling: changes to $11m development approved

WORK is set to start on a mixed use development in Stirling after several years of setbacks and delays.

Formerly Stirling Rise, a four-storey apartment and office complex at the corner of Cedric and Sanderling streets, the building has been re-imagined as La Luna Stirling.

Approval was granted in 2014 but extended until July this year because of delays from caveats with the City of Stirling and an owner of the adjacent shopping centre.

The development suffered another setback when appointed builder Choice Living Homes WA went into administration in January but the failed company has now been replaced by Palazzo Homes.

Developer Greenhaven Property Group sought a redesign of the $11.6 million complex, which was approved by the Metro North-West Development Assessment Panel this month.

It comprises 32 apartments, 14 commercial tenancies and 102 car parking bays.

MJA Studio architect Stephen Corns said it improved on the previous design through increased natural light, landscaping, additional pedestrian ramps, improved passive surveillance and activation, and offered opportunities for local small and medium businesses, including a cafe.

He said the number of apartments had been reduced from 41 to 32 and they boasted a “simple, clean, modern aesthetic”.

CF Town Planning and Development director Carlo Famiano presented against the proposal at the panel meeting on behalf of an owner within the shopping centre.

Objections included “adverse impacts” on the streetscape and neighbouring homes, as well as concerns with parking, design and plot ratio.

“It results in the development being out of character with the neighbouring area and shopping centre,” he said.

“This development does not fit in with the current built form and does not fit in with the future built form.”

He argued parking was already an issue at the centre and the development would exacerbate the problem.

But Cr Italiano said the applicant had provided more parking bays than required and did not believe parking would be an issue.

Panel member Brian Curtis commended the design’s “efficient use of space” and specialist member Fred Zuideveld called it an improvement on the previous design.

The developer described the updated design as “bringing a western suburbs’ elegance, style and quality to Stirling”.

Site works are expected to start within a few weeks.