When Density Works

According to reiwa.com, there are only 2,427 properties currently available for rent throughout metropolitan Perth. Thankfully, this number has crept up of late but remains a far cry from the 12,000 homes offered in late 2018.  Perth’s expanding population coupled with paltry market conditions over the 2010-2020 decade has led to this abrupt shortening of supply.

It’s evident we need more homes built to soak up the demand and increasing density is part of the solution in delivering more housing stock in areas people want to live, work and play. Easier said than done as cost of construction for projects that deliver density has dramatically increased to the point where many projects don’t ‘stack up’ and developers won’t take on projects unless there’s a return on investment.

Density is good.

Fremantle has seen some terrific infill projects complete in recent times; LIV Apartments, Little Lane, Heirloom, Montreal Commons, to name a few. The demand for these projects has been solid, mostly for owner-occupiers and some investors adding much needed rental stock to Fremantle’s dwindling supply.

Higher density re-development opportunities exist across areas within the City of Fremantle such as “Neighbourhood Centre”, although to-date these have been largely underutilized. Other areas have been zoned “Development” with overarching structure plans in place designed to manage future land use. The Knutsford Street industrial area, the eastern end of the city and the Davis Park precinct are key examples.

In past years, the City of Fremantle suffered a reputation of not supporting infill developments within its boundaries. The creation of Joint Development Assessment Panels for large projects has helped deliver some quality developments that may otherwise not got out of the ground.

Density helps the affordability of housing via the delivery of additional supply, providing more people the opportunity to own their own home. Occasionally, higher density development is proposed in areas unsuitable for the built environment around it. The current aged-care facility planned at Woodside Hospital in East Fremantle is one such example. A proposed R80 scheme in a R15 housing precinct will deliver a poor outcome for existing residents.

Thankfully, developers get it right most of the time. They understand the need to provide a quality product and positive lived experience for residents to build their reputation.

The East end entry to Fremantle is ripe for excellent four to five storey development enabling a vibrant blend for commerce and residing. And what of the upper levels of shops in the inner city that largely lay vacant?

Density is good. It is necessary and we ought to envisage more ways in which the community can interact with and live deep within our historic built environment. Let us preserve and restore and where necessary, be bold enough to sweep some of it away for something better.

Note: The author lives in Dalgety Street, impacted by the pending development of Woodside.