Approval for $24m Wembley project

This Article was originally published in Business News by Nadia Budihardjo.

Dozens of new apartments are set to be built in Wembley after a committee greenlit a $24 million plan for a seven-storey development.

Dozens of new apartments are set to be built in Wembley after a committee greenlit a $24 million plan for a seven-storey development.

The Statutory Planning Committee, which includes members from the Western Australian Planning Commission, approved a proposal to build 35 apartments on 288-290 Cambridge Street.

The proposed development will be six storeys fronting Cambridge Street and seven-storey at the back, which fronts Dargin Lane.

Syncroni Project No1 submitted the application with the state government’s Part 11B Significant Development Assessment Unit.

Australian Securities and Investments Commission data shows Syncroni is owned by Realmark principal John Percudani and Paul Percudani.

The development attracted some criticism from the surrounding neighbours, over concerns of overshadowing from the proposed height.

However, WAPC chair and SPC member Emma Cole acknowledged that density was needed for Cambridge Street.

“I understand the scheme is being worked upon and I’ve taken the Town feedback there and we’ll talk internally with the department to progress the scheme,” she said at the meeting.

“But I think in terms of the development before us, this is well designed with minimal impacts to current and future neighbours so I’m happy to support.”

The applicant engaged Rothelowman as the architect for the Wembley project.

Rothelowman principal Kylee Schoonens said much work had been done to respect the existing heritage precinct while providing street activation.

“We believe that this is really important that we have taken all of these elements into consideration to make sure the building will be built … to allow new opportunities for young families to come into that and bring appropriate housing into the area,” she said at the meeting.

After the meeting, Ms Schoonens said the project would mark a new chapter for the precinct, within the Namson Street centre in Wembley.

“Our design enables residents to create their new home while fostering meaningful connections with neighbours through intentional design and well-considered onsite amenities,” she said.

“The development also promotes engagement with local businesses within walking distance—gyms, food and beverage retailers—supporting street activation and ensuring affordability in high-quality apartment living.”

Syncroni director Ben Della-Vedova said keeping the amenity of the area was a key pillar of the design.

“The design prioritises community needs through introducing parklets, generous setbacks and celebrating the heritage of the existing retail building whilst providing high quality and affordable new homes with the best of what Australian and European consultants working with us could design, and of course, providing landscaped green space,” he said.

“We are going to market across Australia to restaurateurs and retailers, and discussing bringing a new option to Perth as a flagship local dining anchor and retail partner to the project.”

A pre-war building on 288 Cambridge Street will be retained, according to the development application.