Design rules move to keep Northbridge as nightlife Mecca

13/4/03 Strong new building design controls are being introduced to protect Northbridge's status as Western Australia's premier nightlife district.

13/4/03
Strong new building design controls are being introduced to protect Northbridge's status as Western Australia's premier nightlife district.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said noise complaints by residents in new inner city developments threatened to put Northbridge nightlife at risk.
Ms MacTiernan said an amendment to the East Perth Redevelopment Authority's (EPRA) Northbridge Planning Scheme stipulated measures for all new residential and commercial developments to protect homeowners and businesses from irritating noise emissions.
"These changes are designed to ensure homeowners and business operators can happily co-exist in Perth's inner urban villages," she said.
"This will be achieved by reducing the actual noise levels and the impact of noise on Perth's urban residents.
"People are attracted to inner-urban living because of the buzz of the street life, but they are often unprepared for the increased noise associated with inner city living.
"These late night noises can include amplified music, air conditioning units and vehicle movements.
"The amendment ensures that people can enjoy the urban experience and have a quality of life.
"They also give Northbridge business operators confidence they will be able to continue their business, safe in the knowledge that noise reduction and protection protocols will shield their new residential neighbours from undue noise."
The amendment guidelines include:

  • mechanical plants, such as air conditioners to be designed, located and screened to minimise noise impact on nearby properties.
  • all new buildings or conversions to be designed and constructed to include:
    • the use of double glazing or heavy weight single glazing on windows and glass doors
    • minimisation of window areas facing noise sources;
    • designation of certain areas within a building - for sleeping or quiet areas -which are oriented away from potential noise sources;
    • fitting of ducted air conditioning systems that incorporate acoustically insulated ductwork;
    • design of external walls, roofs and doors to minimise noise intrusion, this may include acoustic insulation; and
    • construction of common walls and floors to minimise the transmission of noise.
Ms MacTiernan also announced that the EPRA had approved a $20million mixed-use apartment development on the corner of Aberdeen and Palmerston Streets as part of The Village Northbridge project.
The development, by Australand Holdings complied with design and technical guidelines, including the placement of bedrooms away from street frontages, the use of thicker, noise attenuating glass on windows and doors and the placement of commercial spaces on ground floor street frontages, with apartments on upper floors.
Amendment 16 has been advertised and a public comment period will expire on May 23.
Minister's office: 9213 6400