A DRAFT long-term plan for the Wanneroo town centre proposes high-density housing and commercial development in a bushland buffer between Ingham’s poultry farm and the civic centre.
Wanneroo Council agreed to initiate advertising for the activity centre plan, which would guide development in the town centre, at its December meeting.
While a report to the council said about 19 per cent of the 86.5ha site would be public open space, most of that was the Wanneroo Showground.
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READ NOWThe plan indicated about 1.4ha of bush adjacent to the poultry farm site, which Stockland proposes to clear for housing when Ingham’s relocates to Muchea, would be retained for conservation.
The plan highlighted the economic importance of residential and mixed use development to support existing and future commercial uses.
The report said the plan would guide the long-term development of a “vibrant, progressive and prosperous town centre”.
“The purpose of the plan is to facilitate the redevelopment of the town centre by providing a high level plan that describes, graphically illustrates, and spatially articulates, the future built form and allocation of land uses,” it said.
The plan proposed increased building heights up to eight storeys and development intensity, as well as introducing medium residential densities of R60 to R100 where the buffer zone lies.
According to the report, ultimate development would yield 2000 to 3000 dwellings, accommodating up to 6600 people by 2041.
It said an economic analysis identified that the existing town centre had about 68,000sq m of employment floor space with no residential floor space.
“This lack of residential use within the centre is a weakness as it does not support maximising employment growth,” the report said.
The City is due to start public consultation in mid-January, for up to 28 days.
At the same meeting, the council adopted its five-year biodiversity plan and a street tree policy, which highlighted the importance of retaining and planting trees.