Subiaco's urban landscape is poised for a significant transformation, with plans for three new high-rise apartment buildings formally submitted to Western Australia's peak planning authority.
Major Development Plans Hit the Desk of State Planners
The detailed proposals have been lodged with the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) for assessment. This move represents a crucial step in a potential wave of new residential development for the inner-city suburb. The applications seek to replace existing, lower-density structures with modern, taller residential towers, directly responding to the growing demand for housing close to the Perth CBD.
One of the most prominent proposals is for a site at 343-349 Barker Road. The plan envisions a striking 16-storey mixed-use tower that would completely replace the current single-storey retail buildings. This development is designed to offer a substantial boost to local living options, proposing 108 new apartments alongside dedicated commercial space at ground level.
Details of the Proposed Barker Road Tower
The Barker Road project, if approved, would feature a diverse mix of apartment types to cater to different residents. The proposal includes a breakdown of 71 two-bedroom units and 37 one-bedroom units. A key feature of the design is the inclusion of 102 car parking bays and 112 bicycle spaces, addressing the practical needs of future occupants. The architectural plans indicate the tower would rise to a height of approximately 55.9 metres, dramatically altering the current streetscape.
Another significant application targets a location at 23-25 Churchill Avenue. This proposal seeks approval for a 12-storey residential building containing 49 apartments. The design for this site includes plans for 49 vehicle bays and 60 spaces for bicycles, with the building intended to reach a height of around 41 metres.
Churchill Avenue and Roberts Road Projects
The third development plan is for 490-492 Roberts Road. This application outlines a more modest but still substantial 8-storey apartment complex. The Roberts Road proposal includes 20 new dwellings, accompanied by 21 car parking spaces and 25 bicycle spots. The building is designed to stand at a height of roughly 28 metres.
All three applications are now under formal review by the WAPC. The planning body will assess the proposals against state and local planning policies, considering factors such as design, density, amenity, and traffic impact. The City of Subiaco council will also provide a formal recommendation to the WAPC as part of the detailed evaluation process. There is no fixed timeline for a decision, as the complexity of such applications requires thorough examination.
The submission of these three high-rise plans signals strong developer confidence in the Subiaco property market. It highlights a strategic shift towards higher-density living in well-established suburbs with excellent transport links and amenities. This trend is aligned with broader state government objectives to increase housing supply and promote urban infill to manage Perth's growth sustainably.
If approved, these projects would collectively add 177 new apartments to Subiaco's housing stock. The developments promise to inject new life into their respective precincts, support local businesses, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of Subiaco from a traditional shopping hub into a vibrant, mixed-use residential centre. The outcomes of these planning applications will be closely watched by residents, investors, and the broader property industry as a barometer for future development in Perth's inner-west.
