Penny Taylor

Apartment developer Blackburne has sketched out ambitious plans for one of Perth’s most contentious properties, after paying $25 million for the Subiaco Pavilion Markets site.

Future high-density development in Subiaco will be clustered along main roads in close proximity to the suburb’s town centre and train station, with new planning guidelines endorsed by council this week.

Apartments developer Paul Blackburne says football’s move from Subiaco Oval to Optus Stadium can only be positive for the near-city suburb.

Planning Minister Rita Saffioti has approved changes to Subiaco’s town planning scheme, with high-density development to be clustered in certain areas and heritage protections for character areas of the near-city suburb.

Subiaco’s fortunes are on an upswing after years plagued by high retail vacancies, high-profile hospitality closures and an uncertain future with the exit of AFL football to the Burswood Peninsula.

Inner-suburban councils are strategising to stimulate economic activity as they navigate the long road out of the COVID-19 crisis.

Subiaco is set for resurgence, but it will take a coordinated approach from landlords, developers and council to take full advantage of its more than $500 million pipeline.

OPINION: Nothing will change in WA's local government sector until it tackles widespread behavioural issues, writes Penny Taylor.

Recent changes to the state’s planning regime have highlighted the conflicts developers and decision makers face during the design process.

Paul Blackburne was among the standouts at the recent Australian Apartment Advocacy awards.

Housing and Planning Minister John Carey has defended building single dwellings amid a push for infill, saying some higher-density projects are just not viable in Perth.