City Beach's New High-Rise: Progress or Overreach?

One of the most striking aspects of this development is its scale. To put it in perspective, the 22-storey building will significantly exceed the height of The Grove in Cottesloe, another Blackburne project, which stands at 16 storeys, at street level. The proposed City Beach location is one of the highest vantage points on the coast and will become the highest building on our entire West Australian coastline! This comparison highlights the dramatic change coming to City Beach, a suburb traditionally characterized by low-rise homes and a tranquil coastal atmosphere. The sudden jump to such a height begs the question: where was the community's input?

The last significant update many residents received was that Blackburne had purchased the land and was considering a modest apartment complex. Now, we are confronted with a 22-storey structure. It's not just a matter of aesthetics or the inevitable skyline change; it's about the fundamental character and identity of City Beach. This rapid escalation in plans seems to have occurred with minimal public consultation.

Paul Blackburne has defended the project's height, suggesting that taller, slender buildings are preferable as they allow for more green space at ground level and better tree preservation. Indeed, the development includes plans to sink existing car parks and retain all Tuart trees, with a third of the site covered by a tree canopy. While these environmental considerations are commendable, they do not address the core issue: the lack of genuine community engagement in the planning process.

Moreover, the price range for these luxury apartments, from $800,000 to $5 million, raises questions about who will actually benefit from this development. While it's framed as a partial solution to the housing crisis, the reality is that such high-end housing is unlikely to be accessible to the average resident. The promise of public amenities, such as food and beverage outlets, a supermarket, and an upmarket wellness center, while appealing, does not negate the concerns about the broader impact on the local community and infrastructure.

The proposed development might bring economic benefits and enhance local amenities, but it also risks alienating the very community it aims to serve. The towering presence of this high-rise could overshadow the suburb's coastal charm, drawing a clear line between the past and an uncertain future. The lack of visible community input in the decision-making process is a missed opportunity to create a project that genuinely reflects the desires and needs of City Beach residents.

In conclusion, while the new development at City Beach promises modernity and luxury, it also symbolizes a shift in how developments are conceived and communicated to the public. The community deserves to be more than just a backdrop to these grand designs; they should be active participants in shaping their own neighbourhood. So I ask where are the Amendment 31 warriors? The men and women who protested against subdividing their blocks of land. This action campaign led to the ousting of Simon Withers and the installation of Keri Shannon. Perhaps this outspoken group aren't living within the vicinity of the towers and happy they have their 1000sqm's of land?

Paulette Contessi

Director / Licensee

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