In December last year, work was expected to begin on the near derelict shopping centre on the corner of Hennessey and Orelia avenues that would include expanded retail space and residential developments.
However, Urbanism project director Corey Verwey said the centre would need more infrastructure upgrades than first thought, adding ‘significant cost’ to the development.
‘These infrastructure costs and the complexities associated with mixed use developments at this smaller scale added significant development costs to the project,’ Mr Verwey said.
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READ NOW‘As a result, the developers sought proportional funding to secure the project in a staged approach.
‘Bank finance could not be achieved and the developers agreed to delay all work.’
He said the developer would review the project and consider alternative residential developments to reduce the total cost of the redevelopment.
An Orelia resident said a temporary office and fencing was abruptly removed from the site last month.
City of Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said preliminary works had begun and like Orelia residents, the City wanted to see ‘rapid progress’.
‘As it’s a private development, once the City has issued our approval we have little to no involvement in the actual construction phase,’ she said.
‘With that in mind, we can’t comment much, other than to say we will assist in any way we can to ensure the project sees completion.’