May 22, 2023   FEATURED, PROMOTED

Planners approve integrated disability, health and community services facility

LOS ANGELES: Planners have now finally approved a unique integrated disability, health and community services facility.

Disability support service Rocky Bay has been given State planning approval to build WA’s first $78 million integrated disability, health and community services facility in Belmont.

Metro Inner-South Joint Development Assessment Panel members unanimously approved plans on Friday put forward by landowner Rocky Bay Limited to build a four-storey community and medical hub on the corner of Abernethy Road and Fairbrother Street.

Offices, rehabilitation and therapy areas, and training spaces will be built for use by Rocky Bay, while a cafe or restaurant and shop and early learning centre to accommodate 96 children are planned on-site.

Plans also include a paediatric hub consisting of five consultation rooms as well as spaces for therapy and rehabilitation.

Services provided on-site will include inclusive early learning, hydrotherapy, multi-disciplinary therapy services, sector training, skills development opportunities and community access programs.

Applicant PTS Town Planning Pty Ltd director Peter Simpson, who wrote a letter to JDAP panel members on behalf of the landowner, said the proposed development was a positive community-based land use outcome for the site, the locality and the City of Belmont.

“The services provided by Rocky Bay are important and essential to the community,” he wrote.

“The high level of architectural design is very significant and unparalleled in this area of Belmont and will provide a catalyst to increase the standard of design within the locality.”

JDAP member and Belmont councillor Robert Rossi said he was more than happy to approve the “high quality designed development” for a long vacant site.

“They’ve (Rocky Bay Limited) produced a great development here and I think it’s something that will be welcomed in to the City of Belmont,” JDAP member and mayor Phil Marks said.

A central oasis featuring landscaping, play space and a water feature is also planned while 294 car parking bays are proposed across the lower ground and ground floors.

A total of 13 mature trees along the Fairbrother Street and Abernethy Road frontage will be retained while 155 trees across the site will be planted.

“The retention of a significant number of mature trees on site is a significant landscape and sustainability outcome,” Mr Simpson said.

The site is surrounded by commercial development that comprises of a mix of existing warehouses, showrooms, and offices.

It is located about 1km northwest of Belmont Forum and southeast of the Swan River Foreshore Reserve.

A city report said the development would enhance Belmont Business Park’s function as a hub for commercial activities between the Perth Airport and Perth CBD.

“It is considered that the proposed development responds to the site context through quality architectural treatment and landscaping outcomes,” the report said.

“The proposal minimises impacts on Fairbrother Street and Abernethy Road by allocating sufficient spaces for efficient vehicle movements within the internal car parking area.”

Rocky Bay purchased the Belmont site in August 2022 and the facility will now become the main administration hub for the disability support service.