Plans for a $40 million retirement-style redevelopment in Nedlands are set to move ahead, with the first stage of the project recommended for approval. Located at 2 Orton Road, the proposal forms the opening stage of a planned 200-dwelling apartment-living complex from WA-based aged care provider Alinea.
Site and Background
The redevelopment sits on 1.9 hectares of land currently occupied by the Quadriplegic Centre, which planning documents say has reached the end of its serviceable life and is now earmarked for renewal. The first stage of the development has been recommended for approval by the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel.
First Stage Details
The first stage features a five-storey and three-storey apartment building comprising a total of 46 dwellings. These include two one-bedroom apartments, 14 two-bedroom apartments, and 30 three-bedroom apartments. It also includes a one-storey “club house” with a function space, gym, art studio, and spa, as well as 85 car bays made up of 65 resident bays, 10 staff bays, and 10 visitor bays.
Planning documents describe the proposal as the first step in a wider multi-stage redevelopment, which allows for a maximum building height of eight storeys.
Public Consultation and Amendments
Public consultation was carried out in February and attracted just four submissions. Three of them were objections, and one was written to support the project. The main concerns raised related to plot ratio, vehicle access, and parking. Amended plans were later submitted to address some of the feedback. The amendments included reconfiguring the entry and gatehouse, lowering the front retaining wall to Orton Road, increasing landscaping along the western boundary, and making changes to improve sunlight access to some apartments.
Surrounding Area
If approved, the new apartments will sit directly north of the Shenton Park Hospital redevelopment area, a 16-hectare urban renewal project led by the State Government. Dubbed Montario Quarter, that precinct already features a row of recently completed two-storey single houses on the southern side of Orton Road, while the Underwood Avenue bushland borders the site to the north.
A final decision will be made by the Metro Inner DAP on April 28.
