Subiaco Business Association president Geoff Parnell says the scheme amendment was a ‘great step forward’ in bringing much-needed residents and workers into the Subiaco CBD.
While Subiaco councillor Julie Matheson says the overshadowing on heritage homes in Catherine Street would be ‘unbelievable’.
‘The markets closed seven years ago, so to see progress on that site has been long overdue,’ Mr Parnell said.
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READ NOW‘This is a very emotional topic ” people are already saying Rokeby Road will be like walking down St Georges Terrace, which is just not true.
‘We need to wait and see the final plans before making judgments because there are still a lot of decisions to be made. I don’t think it will be built before the AFL leaves, but hopefully not too soon after.’
Cr Matheson said fellow parishioners at St Catherine’s Church had ‘bailed her up’ on Sunday saying they were shocked and confused about the Minister’s announcement.
‘There are no heights anywhere near 16 storeys in the vicinity of Subiaco,’ she said.
‘I am a financial planner and I believe the developer has no justification for 16 storeys ” the only motivation is money. They paid way too much for that site in 2007 and now the minister has fallen for their ploy under the guide of a ‘rescue package’.’
Developer D2 Property managing director Ian Day said he expected the apartments to sell out quickly as they were close to the CBD, ocean and train line.
‘This will bring much needed life and vitality back to the heart of Subiaco, which will also have a flow-on effect for retailers throughout the town centre who have struggled in recent years.’