Plan for high-rise apartments across from busy Perth arena one step closer as $230 million project recommended

A $230 million project to add highrise across from RAC Arena is closer to becoming reality, with the City of Perth recommending the plans be approved by the Development Assessment Panel this week. The project, submitted by Perth-based PTS Town Planning on behalf of Bonaventure and Claridges, includes a 32-storey and 18-storey apartment building, a revamp of the Four Points by Sheraton Perth hotel and demolition of other buildings nearby. Existing offices on Murray Street will be demolished to make way for the 32-storey building. The combined 28,654sqm site falls within the street block bounded by Wellington Street to the north, Milligan Street to the east, Murray Street to the south and Elder Street to the west. Refurbishment works to the Four Points by Sheraton Perth at 707 Wellington Street will include upgrades to the external facades of the building, a new canopy, and an extension to the existing restaurant. The hotel was used to quarantine people during the COVID pandemic. “Upgrades to all external facades of the building, including the installation of a new glazed window system, a rendered and painted finish to the eastern and southern elevations, and stone cladding with bronze metal framing to the northern (Wellington Street) and western elevations,” the proposal said. “Upgrades and an extension to the existing restaurant creating an outdoor dining area on the western side that will overlook the pedestrian link.” A small cafe is also proposed. The two high-rise apartment buildings are next to the hotel. The 32-level building fronting Murray Street will have 159 multiple dwellings, ground level commercial tenancies and 169 carparking bays. The 18-level building fronting Wellington Street will have 113 multiple dwellings, ground level retail tenancies and 126 carparking bays. The two apartment buildings will add a combined 272 dwellings to the city. As part of the city’s 23 conditions of approval, four existing verge trees which were planned to be removed will be retained. The panel is scheduled to consider the proposal at its January 22 meeting.