21 September 2006

Text may be used as quotes attributed to Mr Jeremy Dawkins, Chairman, Western Australian Planning Commission

Last night the Central Perth Planning Committee (CPPC) completed an extended assessment of proposals for the conservation and re-use of the Old Treasury Buildings and the Old Titles Office, and for new government offices integrated into the heritage precinct.

The proposals resulted from a competitive design process managed by the Government Architect, and include a contemporary office building designed by leading Melbourne architect Peter Elliot in collaboration with Perth firm Donaldson and Warn.

The development application was approved subject to requirements that the design of the facades, finishes and materials, and a number of other matters related to pedestrian spaces, vehicle access and the construction process, be submitted for further approval.

The CPPC sees the proposal as a very significant contribution to the traditional civic heart of the city which includes the Supreme Court Gardens, Supreme Court, Council House, Town Hall, Old Treasury Buildings and Government House.

While there is widespread support in the community for striking architecture of this quality, considerable concern has been expressed about the appropriateness of the new building in this context.  The CPPC considers that this contemporary and iconic building can be integrated into the complex in a manner which reinforces the traditions and significance of the site, and enlivens this quarter of the city.

ends

Background

At its meeting in July the CPPC called for further investigation of the extent and quality of pedestrian areas and open space on the site, and for better information on the visual experience for pedestrians in all of the streets surrounding the complex.

At its meeting in August the CPPC was presented with new designs for the pedestrian areas of the site showing how they relate to the Town Hall and the public spaces to be created in the Old Treasury Buildings.

The CPPC also viewed a real-time visualisation of the complex using the latest in simulation software.  The CPPC considered this new ‘electronic model’ to be far superior to previous representations of the proposals and much more realistic.

Perth City Councillors and interested stakeholders were then invited to screenings of the simulation in order to view and comment on these new and more accurate representations of the proposals.

The CPPC was established to oversee and provide direction for planning in the Perth central area. It exercises delegated authority to deal with the City of Perth town planning scheme and scheme amendments; the Metropolitan Region Scheme and amendments; subdivisions, strata titles, leases and licences; and development on all reserved land within the City of Perth.