Albany development projects gain planning approval

4/8/03
A major new retail and service development on Catalina Road and a shopping centre proposed for the old Albany Primary School site have both won State Government approval.
The City of Albany has also been given approval to advertise for public comment a guided development scheme for a proposed residential development at Bayonet Head on Oyster Harbour.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has conditionally approved an amendment to the City of Albany Town Planning Scheme (TPS) No. 3, which will see 17ha of rural land and land surrounding the existing 'Farm Fresh' site rezoned.
"The approval for the Brooks Garden Development Project allows for a wide range of retail businesses and small offices," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The proposal, which includes a major supermarket and a hardware outlet as well as food and specialty shops, is very accessible from Albany's outer suburbs and surrounding rural communities.
"It also provides for a medical centre, day hospital and nursing home to be developed adjacent to a proposed aged persons' village.
"The City of Albany's Catalina Central Structure Plan will provide a broad framework for future development of this area."
The Catalina site is located on the eastern side of Chester Pass Road, about four kilometres north of the Albany Central Business District, and extends from Mercer Road in the north to Catalina Road to the south.
Ms MacTiernan said the amendment was advertised by the City of Albany for public comment and attracted 36 submissions mostly in support of the proposal.
"I have advised the City of Albany that modifications are required to protect Chester Pass Road as a major freight route, to re-align Catalina Road and to ensure the Albany CDB remains the city's primary shopping precinct," she said.
"When these have been completed, it will be gazetted and the rezoning incorporated into the town planning scheme."
Old Primary School Site:
Ms MacTiernan has also approved an amendment to Albany's TPS 1A covering the former primary school site.
"The shopping centre planned for the old Primary School site north west of York Street, along Albany Highway, abuts the Albany Plaza Shopping Centre and will extend the City's central retail and commercial district," she said.
"The original schoolrooms, built in 1915, are listed on the State Register of Heritage Places and will be retained to preserve their heritage values, and maintain the existing streetscape."
Bayonet Head:
The Bayonet Head development area is situated approximately seven kilometres north east of the Albany CBD, on the western side of Oyster Harbour.
"Bayonet Head has been earmarked since the early 1980s as a preferred area for further urban expansion within the Albany region," Ms MacTiernan said.
"It is estimated that over the next 35 years, more than 3,500 residential lots housing some 10,000 people will be developed in the 284ha area.
"About 26ha will be retained for of public open space and there is provision for a primary school."
Further information on the guided development scheme is available from the City of Albany.
Albany MLA Peter Watson said approval for the developments was great news for residents of Albany and the surrounding region.
"These developments will bring new investment and new jobs to Albany and provide people with more encouragement to spend their dollar locally," Mr Watson said.
"The proposed medical centre and nursing home development are especially important considering our ageing population and are yet another good reason for making a lifetime commitment to Albany.
"The Gallop Government and the City of Albany are looking ahead and preparing for growth, which is good news for all of us who have a stake in the city."
Minister's office: 9213 6400