Perth’s tallest, most expensive and most controversial apartment complex — Civic Heart in South Perth — has finally reached completion, after ten tumultuous years.
The $445 million landmark eclipses the size and value of every other residential complex in the State, offering 309 apartments and 26 commercial tenancies, many with breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Despite its long list of impressive superlatives, the project almost did not happen — several times.
Known as the on-again, off-again apartment complex, developer Finbar has faced many challenges since it bought the block ten years ago.
Finbar managing director Darren Pateman – whose connection to the site goes back to his childhood – conceded it was the company’s most complex and ambitious project to date.
“This project is a testament to the amazing and very patient Team at Finbar and to our builder Hanssen, collectively delivering such an astounding landmark project for WA during the most challenging development environment we have experienced in our company’s 30-year history,” Mr Pateman said.
“Having attended kindergarten on this land over half a century ago, it is great to have finally completed the works I began with the timber-framed string-activated crane that once lived in the sandpit.”
Finbar’s first plans for a 13-storey tower were rejected, but by 2015 it had won approval for a $400m, 38-level apartment tower.
It sold 80 per cent of the apartments before pulling the scheme, citing uncertainties over the City of South Perth planning rules, and taking the extraordinary step of returning $200m in deposits to buyers.
In 2019 it tried again with new plans for 39 and 22-storey towers. But local opposition to the size of the towers gathered pace, and planning authorities rejected the proposal.
The curve balls continued with then-Planning Minister Rita Saffioti intervening to approve the project.
Victory, however, was short lived. One month later it was put on indefinite hold amid the coronavirus uncertainty. But this challenge quickly passed, and the project was again launched.
The final design involves 20-floor and 37-storey towers, anchored by the heritage buildings of the former South Perth police station and post office.
While 70 per cent of the apartments have sold already, the four penthouses, valued between $5.25m to $9.5m, are still on the market.