Green Light for Landmark North Perth Project After Hurdles

In a decisive and uplifting outcome for the construction industry in Western Australia, Celsius Property Group has cleared the final planning hurdle for its transformative “Alma Sq” development, poised to be the largest mixed-use project ever undertaken in North Perth.

With 80% of the 108 apartments already sold off the plan and a builder locked in to start construction in August, the stakes were high. The $170 million project, located on a strategic corner site at 387 Fitzgerald Street, had previously been delayed due to concerns raised by authorities about a major structural column potentially affecting future road widening.

Initially approved in November 2023, the development’s site plan allegedly didn’t reflect the full road impact, prompting WA Department of Planning officers to raise visibility and road upgrade concerns. After months of detailed discussions and negotiations, the Statutory Planning Committee gave the official go-ahead at its May 21 sitting, unlocking a major opportunity for the precinct and wider Perth market.

Designed by Space Collective Architects, the Alma Sq project includes over 1500 square metres of ground-floor retail space and 108 residential apartments. The approval not only signals a revitalisation of the long-vacant block at Fitzgerald Street and Raglan Road but also marks the first major residential development in the North Perth centre in nearly a decade.

For Celsius Property Group, the approval came just in time. Managing Director Richard Pappas noted the pressure of escalating construction costs, with the current build price now 9% above original estimates. “If the minor incursion into the truncation was not approved, it would have changed the entire facade and engineering of the building, which could have rendered the project unviable,” he said. “There are even fewer builders in the market now who can take on a project of this scale.”

The collaborative approach between Celsius and the City of Vincent has been critical to reaching this point. Acting Manager of Development and Design, Karsen Reynolds, acknowledged the challenges and learnings from the process, highlighting improvements made to their internal mapping system. “We’re supportive of the alternate recommendation, which allows the project to proceed while still keeping our future road upgrades open,” Reynolds said.

More than just bricks and mortar, the project is expected to inject new life into the North Perth community, offering modern living options and vibrant retail spaces. “Planning aside, this development sits at the heart of our North Perth district centre on a key strategic site,” Reynolds added. “We’ve been working closely with the proponent team for over five years.”

The journey to approval hasn’t been smooth sailing. A previous proposal for two 16-storey towers on the site was rejected by state planners in 2022, prompting Celsius to reimagine the design and scale of the project.

Now, with planning approvals finalised and community backing strong, Alma Sq is positioned to become a defining feature in Perth’s urban evolution—a testament to perseverance, partnership, and the potential for positive transformation in the built environment.

For the construction industry, it’s a reminder that great projects are worth fighting for.