The Western Australian Government has handed control of the award-winning Scarborough foreshore development back to City of Stirling Council, after almost a decade of collaboration.
DevelopmentWA assumed planning control of the area in July 2014 as part of an initiative to upgrade and revitalise the Scarborough foreshore area.
It approved nearly 2,000 new residential dwellings within the foreshore redevelopment area, with 422 units constructed and a further 1,200 in the delivery pipeline, including 170 affordable housing units.
The Council will now continue to progress the Scarborough foreshore, with the ambitious goal of attracting more than 700,000 new visitors to the City by 2041.
Mayor, Mark Irwin said the story of the Scarborough redevelopment was one of a successful, once-in-a-generation $100 million investment.
“The significant investment from the City of Stirling and State Government has resulted in Scarborough being one of Australia’s premier tourism and seaside destinations,” he said.
“Major events like Groundswell and the Aussies are easily held in the precinct now alongside sunset markets, with infrastructure suitable for families, sporting, leisure and general recreation. It is a success story, and one to be celebrated at this key milestone.
“While planning control rested with DevelopmentWA, and the City had a limited role in the application process, Council often took the opportunity to advocate to DevelopmentWA on behalf of the community. Now, all applications will be submitted to the City, with our officers assessing the applications we receive in accordance with the planning framework for the area.
“Importantly, this means the City will consult with the community on development proposals, and the community will have full visibility around what happens with their submissions, as these comments, and the officer’s response to them will now be made public.”
He said, however, Council may not be the decision maker for large scale developments in the redevelopment area, with the Metro Inner-North Joint Development Assessment Panel to consider approval for developments over $2 million in most instances.
“The City looks forward to working with the community and the development industry to build on the progress so far and ensure that the vision of the Scarborough Master Plan is realised,” Mayor Irwin said.
Western Australian Planning Minister, John Carey MLA said the proactive collaboration had demonstrated how key redevelopment projects could be delivered with the needs of Western Australians at the forefront.
“Scarborough’s foreshore has delivered on its long-standing potential, with the redevelopment activating what has always been one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches,” he said.
“I have full confidence the City of Stirling will now carry the foreshore into the future, with people from all over the country and world coming to enjoy one of Australia’s best beachfront destinations.”
