A landmark development in Bentley is set to finally go ahead years after it was first proposed, following a Canning council decision last week.
On February 20 council voted unanimously to support accepting a State Government offer of up to $9.6 million to progress the Bentley Regeneration Project, which will affect about 26 hectares of land around Bentley Library on Manning Road and the Brownlie Towers apartment building.
It is now up to the city’s chief executive to work with the State Government to negotiate the final terms of agreement, which will be brought to council at the earliest opportunity.
The Bentley Regeneration Project will be the largest urban infill project in Western Australia’s history, and will see Brownlie Towers demolished and the surrounding area used as the site for 1500 new houses by 2040.
The plan also includes the development of retail and dining spaces, student accommodation, a new 460-apartments building and a multipurpose community hub.
As part of the State Government offer $5.6 million will be provided to the City of Canning for management orders over the affected land, plus another $4 million to pay for maintenance of the area until the project is complete.
Speaking at the February 20 council meeting, Canning mayor Paul Ng said it was an important moment.
“The Bentley Regeneration Project has been a long, long time in the making,” he said.
“By council deciding on the reserve lands and the State Government offer tonight, the project can at last be underway.”
Minister for Housing Peter Tinley said the State Government would continue to work with the City of Canning to replace or upgrade facilities around the development area.
“Principles including liveability, affordability and place management will lie at the heart of what will be the largest urban infill development in the state,” he said.
Development partners for the project will be sought by mid-2018.
