Maylands Funeral Parlour Set for Major $5 Million Expansion
Plans have been officially lodged to transform and expand a funeral parlour and chapel in Maylands, with a proposed $5 million facelift aimed at modernising the site and enhancing its services. The application, submitted by VAER Design on behalf of FTF Pty Ltd, targets lots 41-48 on Whatley Crescent in Maylands, a prime location near key transport hubs and community centres.
Site Details and Proposed Development
The development site currently houses Christian Funerals Maylands on lots 41-42, with the remaining lots being vacant and cleared land. Previously renovated in November 2018, the funeral home is strategically positioned approximately 350 metres from Meltham railway station, 260 metres from the Maylands activity centre, and 5 kilometres north-east of the Perth CBD. The proposal seeks approval for an extended funeral parlour, office space, associated vehicular accessways, parking facilities, and landscaping improvements to better serve the local area.
Enhanced Funeral Parlour and Office Facilities
The funeral parlour component of the project will include a reception area, office space, viewing room, meeting rooms, a body preparation area, refrigeration units, toilets, and internal long-vehicle parking specifically designed for hearses. This internal parking ensures that the loading and unloading of bodies can be conducted discreetly within the building, maintaining privacy and dignity by preventing public visibility. Importantly, the proposal confirms that there will be no crematorium on the site, focusing solely on funeral and office services.
Operational Hours and Employment Opportunities
Proposed operating hours are set from 9am to 4pm, Mondays to Fridays, aligning with standard business schedules. The office component is designed to accommodate 25 permanent staff, with a maximum capacity of 30 onsite employees, plus casual staff as needed. This expansion is expected to create and support numerous jobs across construction, operations, cleaning, and maintenance sectors, providing a significant economic boost to the community while delivering essential funeral services to Maylands and surrounding regions.
Parking and Access Improvements
Parking facilities will see a substantial upgrade, increasing from the current eight on-site bays to a total of 52 bays, comprising 33 external and 19 internal spaces. Access to the funeral parlour service area will be via Ferguson and Charles streets, with additional free parking available on Charles Street to complement the new infrastructure. This enhancement aims to improve convenience for visitors and staff, supporting the increased operational capacity of the redeveloped site.
Community Consultation and Next Steps
The community consultation period for this development concluded on February 23, allowing local residents and stakeholders to provide feedback on the plans. As the proposal moves forward, it highlights a commitment to revitalising a key community asset, blending modern amenities with respectful funeral services in a central Maylands location.
