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Perth, |
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Claremont dumps Multiplex
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Claremont has thrown out Multiplex/Hawaiian's latest bid to build a big shopping complex in the town centre instead of the previously proposed urban village. The plan, which includes a tunnel that one councillor said would create a "black hole", is the fourth in seven years to be considered by the council. Eight of the nine councillors at a special council meeting this week voted against the $125 million plan – a two-storey, scaled-down version of the "urban village" but with no apartments and extra shop space and parking. Councillors objected to the increased retail space, a central mall that would trap shoppers inside a big complex, a smaller town square – and mostly to a 50m tunnel formed by shops spanning over a new road through the western end of the shop block. They also said they wanted a residential component to invigorate and help improve safety and security in central Claremont. Councillor Diana Christian said the plan was "like transplanting a Booragoon or Karrinyup box into the middle of the town". "It has no architectural merits and the tunnel will encourage crime," Ms Christian said. Councillor Wendy Stephens said: "We have been talking about an urban village but have been asked to agree to a shopping centre." Describing the western end of the town as "moribund" and in need of revival, councillor David Leith said a big overhead tunnel surrounded by loading docks would worsen the situation. Mr Leith said it was preferable to try to resolve sticking points with the previous development plan. The previous application – presented by developers in March – which included two levels of shops, capped with 160 apartments rising to six levels in places, is stalled at the State Administrative Tribunal until November 29 while these latest plans are considered. Councillor Paul Kelly said: "The tunnel is a 50m disaster – it's a black hole." He said this plan had too much retail space and needed to include residential options. "A lot of issues with respect to safety, vandalism and noise control could be ameliorated if there were people living in the town centre," he said. Councillor Clem Edwards, also opposing the latest plan and objecting to the tunnel, said the high amount of shop-floor space would approach the total allowed in the whole central business area, which would limit opportunities for other businesses. Councillor Carolyn Marshall said the plan's lack of residential space was its biggest problem. Councillor Dick Maisey said: "We need to maintain an active town centre and not trap people inside a mall." Councillor Jock Barker said: "I couldn't support a project if I couldn't tell my grandchildren I was proud of it." Councillor Rick Camins, the only one to support the proposal, said it substantially complied with all requirements. Mayor Peter Olson said the project would have a lifespan of at least 40 years and the council was committed to "getting it right". "This plan does not fit in with the amenity of the town – especially the tunnel," Mr Olson said. Multiplex manager Marcus Le Messurier, said the joint-venture partners would lodge an appeal, as they considered this latest plan conformed with Claremont's development guidelines. The other option was to seek a ruling from the State Administrative Tribunal on the previous application at a directions hearing on November 29. He said the development partners remained committed to delivering a workable solution to Claremont. |
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