Perth’s Art Deco Theatre Apartment Plan Greenlit

A 71-apartment project on the same site as a Perth heritage-listed theatre has been given the green light.

The Development Assessment Panel conditionally approved the $36-million project this month, which proposes nine storeys of residential space next to the Regal Theatre at Subiaco, about 3.6km east of the Perth CBD.

Those conditions included ensuring that brickwork be finished to the same standard of the theatre, and all external fixtures such as vents and satellite dishes be included in the design of the building.

A 5 star Green Star Buildings ratings performance, to the satisfaction of the City of Subiaco, is also required. 

Westbridge Urban filed the plans for 484 Hay Street, as well as proposed works to the adjoining address at 474 Hay Street, in May. 

The development comprises the apartments above five commercial tenancies, one of which will be a bar to be integrated with the heritage-protected theatre. The bar “may offer an opportunity for additional and alternative revenue streams for the Regal Theatre Foundation”, according to documents.

The western facade of the theatre, described by Heritage Council WA as a “low significance” part of the building, will be demolished to allow the integration of the theatre with the new development.

▲ The Coliseum Picture Garden (left) was demolished in 1937 to make way for the Regal Theatre on the site at Subiaco.

The ground floor tenancies will consist of food and beverage outlets, retail and the bar-restaurant, while the apartments will comprise 31 one, 35 two and 5 three-bedroom units. 

Currently on this site is a single-storey commercial building with four tenancies—three are vacant. 

According to the council, the site is in a “prominent location, surrounded by commercial development” and the proposals represent an “exemplar development with well-designed apartments providing strong outcomes in relation to solar access, ventilation and functionality”. 

The Regal Theatre was built around 1938 and is an “excellent example” of inter-war Art Deco style, according to the development application overview.

The theatre was expanded in the 1960s to accommodate ballet programs before being converted into a live theatre in 1986.