Three-Block Multigenerational Scheme Planned for Perth

Plans for a $48.9-million transformation to bring multi-generational living to Perth’s City Beach have been filed.

Planning Solutions, on behalf of Ocean Gardens Inc, has submitted the application for the proposal spanning Lot 560 Balandi Way and Lot 3 (60) Kalinda Drive, 8.5km west of Perth CBD.

The proposal outlines Hames Sharley-designed plans for 55 apartments across three buildings, including 24 independent living units and 31 apartments.

Ocean Mia, a designated precinct within City Beach, has been identified by the Town of Cambridge Local Planning Strategy as a key area for urban consolidation through mixed residential development “aimed at optimising infrastructure and enhancing neighbourhood viability while preserving suburban character”.

The development proposed for Lot 560, which is vacant and within the Ocean Mia Estate, comprises two residential buildings of four and six storeys to accommodate the apartments.

The scheme would include 82 carparking bays across two basement levels.

The apartments would range from one-bedroom, one-bathroom units with private courtyards to three-bedroom configurations.

Documents indicate these would be standard residential apartments without age restrictions or connection to the retirement village operations.

▲ A render by Hames Sharley Architect of the Building A proposed for Lot 560.

“The proposed development at Ocean Gardens aims to enhance the existing retirement village with contemporary and sustainable living options,” the document said.

The project would include the demolition of eight independent living units within the Ocean Gardens Retirement Village to make way for the proposed three buildings.

Two buildings of four and six storeys would house the apartment and a four-storey block would accommodate the independent living units.

The development would target a 7.5-star NatHERS average rating. Plans include roof-mounted solar panels, electric systems for domestic hot water, cooking and heating, and infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Amenities include a central communal courtyard with outdoor dining areas, a communal citrus garden and informal seating spaces.

The site is part of the Ocean Gardens Retirement Village, which contains 235 homes and associated infrastructure.

The Ocean Gardens project fits with local and regional planning requirements and helps meet the Town of Cambridge’s goals for housing diversity, as well as Western Australia’s growing need for purpose-built seniors’ accommodation, according to planning documents.

The application is open for public comment until February 17. The development requires determination under Part 11B of the Planning and Development Act 2005.

The proposal comes as Western Australia leads the nation in population growth, recording a 2.8 per cent increase in the year to June of 2024, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

This growth, coupled with an ageing population, has prompted several major seniors living projects across the state.

Notable developments include Stockland’s approved $71-million land-lease retirement community in outer Perth, and its $142-million Halcyon Vasse project in the state’s south-west.

Golden Sedayu’s approved plans for a $160-million twin-tower development at Belmont racecourse comprises 204 apartments, including 40 seniors living units.