‘Up not out’: The new plan that sets out to solve Perth’s density dilemma

Two of Western Australia’s peak property and development bodies say the key to boosting housing density and supply in major Perth corridors is by building up rather than out.

The comments from the Property Council WA and Urban Development Institute of Australia WA come after the government approved its Station Precincts Improvement Plan, which aims to unlock more homes near train stations, and close to existing services and amenities.

Ten precincts were announced late last year for initial inclusion at Ballajura, Bassendean, Carlisle/Oat Street, Claisebrook, Cottesloe, Glendalough, Morley, Mosman Park, Redcliffe and Swanbourne stations.

The latest approval applies to eight of the first 10 stations, with Ballajura and Redcliffe precincts already progressing under separate improvement plans and schemes.

Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said each precinct is expected to have designated core and frame areas, with the core providing opportunities for higher density development and the frame allowing for a transitional area of medium density.

Under the plan, precinct boundaries have been refined to reflect local planning considerations and feedback from local governments, while maintaining a focus on walkable catchments around each train station.

Property Council WA executive director Niciola Brischetto said Perth is the least dense major city in the world, but building more medium and high-density homes around major transport hubs is the most sensible and sustainable way to boost housing supply.

“We need to be building homes up, not out,” she said.

“Concerningly, we are building fewer apartments now in Perth than we were in the 1980s — that’s unsustainable during a housing crisis.

“Boosting housing density around transport hubs helps to improve the vibrancy and amenity of these areas, while effectively connecting people to jobs, education and other vital services.”

Urban Development Institute of Australia WA chief executive Tanya Steinbeck said the initiative is the kind of strategic approach to infill housing delivery that industry has been calling for.

“It is particularly important at a time when Western Australia remains in the grips of a housing supply crisis,” she said.

“We need a balanced approach to the creation of new homes in both new and existing areas and facilitating a pipeline of medium and higher-density infill development through identifying these precincts is a critical part of that response.

“Boosting housing supply in these areas means that purchasing or renting a home becomes more accessible to more people who really want to live in these areas.”

Steinbeck said the identified station precincts will effectively come under state planning control, setting height and density parameters and acting as the responsible decision-maker for development in these areas.

“This decision on its own will not lead to apartments appearing overnight,” she said.

“This is about removing the regulatory and prohibitive cost barriers that are impacting project feasibility, combined with strategic decision-making, that supports developers in their role to meet market demand.”

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the next phase of the state government’s Metronet plan is delivering well-located homes that connect to the public transport network.

“These improvement plans will help set the guidelines for development around these 10 station precincts around our city, which is a really exciting step for the future growth of Perth” she said.