Latest news with #FilomenaPiffaretti


Perth Now
01-08-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Housing plans around new train station given the green light
Plans to transform the area around Morley train station have taken a major step forward, with the City of Bayswater endorsing the draft Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan and Scheme Amendment 100 at its latest council meeting. The endorsed documents, which aim to guide future development in the precinct, will now be submitted to the Western Australian Planning Commission and the Minister for Planning for final approval. The structure plan was developed with the State Government and co-funded by both parties, and sets out the long-term vision for the area. This includes higher-density housing, new commercial properties, and enhanced streetscapes and public spaces. The plan was shaped by community consultation and received strong support during the advertised period. The internal laneway. Credit: Supplied Bayswater mayor Filomena Piffaretti said the plan demonstrated how local government could contribute to addressing Perth's housing needs, while remaining in tune with local expectations. 'This plan supports well-located infill housing, in line with State planning priorities, while also reflecting the priorities of our community,' she said. 'It sets a clear direction for how the area around Morley station can grow. This includes higher-density housing, improved streetscapes and new commercial opportunities that support local businesses.' Morley. Credit: Supplied The structure plan provides a framework for the future use and development, identifying areas for new homes, shops, parks and streets. The scheme amendment also outlines proposed changes to zoning and land use, which will enable the vision for the project to be implemented. The city is awaiting advice from the State Government on planning for Stage 2 of the precinct.


Perth Now
09-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Maylands cafe to be run by Rockingham company
A Rockingham-based company has won the contract to operate a City of Bayswater-owned cafe in Maylands. Ambrosia Catering & Event Hire was awarded the deal to run The Rise recreation centre cafe at the city's July 1 council meeting. It was one of three groups that put their hands up for the work. The others were Grow & Grind, which is based in Maylands, and KBD Pty Ltd, which runs a cafe in Bayswater. The Rise cafe has been vacant since 2021. A city assessment panel scored Ambrosia's submission 92 out of 100, well ahead of the others. A city report said Ambrosia had been operating since 2002 and provided cafe and canteen services for high schools, industrial sites, small home parties, corporate events and weddings. KBD runs a cafe on Beechboro Road South. Grow & Grind is a social enterprise that said it had outgrown its current coffee van. The council was questioned at its meeting by Cale Black, who is intending to run for council in the October elections, over why local operators were not preferenced. Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said the city considered local business for procurements but it did not apply to commercial leases and local weighting was not part of the selection criteria. Cr Nat Latter said the city could look at giving weighting to local businesses in the future. She said the community had been waiting a long time for The Rise cafe to be open. 'This particular applicant was extremely strong on the criteria and what we really need in that place is an extremely strong business that we know can succeed,' Cr Latter said. Deputy mayor Elli Petersen-Pik said the city had missed an earlier opportunity to make the most of the space. 'I used to see people coming to the gym, staying, read the newspaper, have coffee and lunch; it's gone,' he said. 'Hopefully we will bring some people to stay there and also provide more safety for that location which is also a concern for some residents, so it's a win-win.' Ambrosia operations manager Jason Floyd said they wanted to transform it into something 'stylish yet approachable'. 'We're going to bring the concept of Ambrosia through but embrace the gorgeous location by incorporating more native tones and colours to complement it,' he said. 'I'm doing a little bit of research about the clientele that use that recreational space but we're aiming for nourishment; good coffee, great options for pre and post workouts, something appropriate for the library attached too. 'We're not chasing to break the mould; we're just chasing to be a good space to catch up with somebody before or after an event.'


Perth Now
29-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Former Bunnings site up for sale after five-year vacancy
A neglected and underutilised former Bunnings site on Russell Street in Morley is up for sale, with expressions of interest open and gaining attention. The 1.84 hectare site is located across from Morley Galleria, which it set for $350 million development. It's estimated that 14,000 cars pass the site each week, which perfectly positions the property for mixed use, retail or commercial uses. Across from Morley Galleria and within close proximity to the CBD. Credit: Colliers The former Bunnings was set to close in 2018, however its life was extended after the Inglewood Bunnings was destroyed by fire. Bunnings eventually ended the lease and vacated the site in mid-2020 and since then its only been used for COVID drive-through testing and is currently used as an election polling station. In 2023, City of Bayswater councillors urged for better use and security of the area. Bayswater mayor Filomena Piffaretti said it was ripe for development as it is within the city's Morley Activity Centre Plan. 'With no height restrictions at Morley's core, this site could benefit from a wide variety of land uses to meet our community's changing needs and provide much-needed residential development.' she said. Artist's impression showing a concept for the former Bunnings site. Credit: Josh Eveson Ms Piffaretti said that the site also benefits from having direct access to public transport via the Galleria bus station, which provides easy access to Perth CBD and the new Morley train station. The site is also within 5km of Meltham, Bayswater, Maylands, Noranda and Ashfield train stations. Colliers head of retail middle markets Australia James Wilson, State chief executive WA Richard Cash and executive, investment services Aidan Austen are appointed to sell the development site. Mr Cash said that the property offered a rare opportunity for a 'transformative development', positioning it as a potential flagship project in Morley's continued urban renewal. 'Importantly, future urban expansion is being strategically concentrated within the Morley Activity Centre, reinforcing the area's role as a key hub for commercial, residential and mixed-use development,' he said. 'This aligns seamlessly with the site's prime location opposite the bustling Morley Galleria Shopping Centre and its flexible zoning, positioning it as a cornerstone project in the suburb's transformation.' PerthNow understands that a potential buyer is interested in using the site as an education precinct. Bayswater councillor Josh Eveson shared ideas for the site on social media, saying that in order to maximise the Morley Galleria redevelopment, they must ensure development surrounding it 'evolves in tandem'. 'The next logical step? Constancy of people and customers in Morley, with delivery of an education facility and reinstating government services, providing the community with essential resources to support growth and prosperity for everyone.' he said. 'This will be one to watch.' Expressions of interest for the site close on 2pm July 18.


Perth Now
27-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Former Bunnings site up for sale
A neglected and underutilised former Bunnings site on Russell Street in Morley is up for sale, with expressions of interest open and gaining attention. The 1.84 hectare site is located across from Morley Galleria, which it set for $350 million development. It's estimated that 14,000 cars pass the site each week, which perfectly positions the property for mixed use, retail or commercial uses. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Across from Morley Galleria and within close proximity to the CBD. Credit: Colliers The former Bunnings was set to close in 2018, however its life was extended after the Inglewood Bunnings was destroyed by fire. Bunnings eventually ended the lease and vacated the site in mid-2020 and since then its only been used for COVID drive-through testing and is currently used as an election polling station. In 2023, City of Bayswater councillors urged for better use and security of the area. Bayswater mayor Filomena Piffaretti said it was ripe for development as it is within the city's Morley Activity Centre Plan. 'With no height restrictions at Morley's core, this site could benefit from a wide variety of land uses to meet our community's changing needs and provide much-needed residential development.' she said. Artist's impression showing a concept for the former Bunnings site. Credit: Josh Eveson Ms Piffaretti said that the site also benefits from having direct access to public transport via the Galleria bus station, which provides easy access to Perth CBD and the new Morley train station. The site is also within 5km of Meltham, Bayswater, Maylands, Noranda and Ashfield train stations. Colliers head of retail middle markets Australia James Wilson, State chief executive WA Richard Cash and executive, investment services Aidan Austen are appointed to sell the development site. Mr Cash said that the property offered a rare opportunity for a 'transformative development', positioning it as a potential flagship project in Morley's continued urban renewal. 'Importantly, future urban expansion is being strategically concentrated within the Morley Activity Centre, reinforcing the area's role as a key hub for commercial, residential and mixed-use development,' he said. 'This aligns seamlessly with the site's prime location opposite the bustling Morley Galleria Shopping Centre and its flexible zoning, positioning it as a cornerstone project in the suburb's transformation.' PerthNow understands that a potential buyer is interested in using the site as an education precinct. Bayswater councillor Josh Eveson shared ideas for the site on social media, saying that in order to maximise the Morley Galleria redevelopment, they must ensure development surrounding it 'evolves in tandem'. 'The next logical step? Constancy of people and customers in Morley, with delivery of an education facility and reinstating government services, providing the community with essential resources to support growth and prosperity for everyone.' he said. 'This will be one to watch.' Expressions of interest for the site close on 2pm July 18.


Perth Now
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Funding to help fix accident ‘hot spot' in northern suburbs
A notorious accident hot spot in Morley will receive $4 million in State Government funding to fix the road layout. Works at the intersection of McGilvray Avenue and Morley Drive include removing the right turn out of McGilvray implementing a left-in, left-out configuration, modifications to the left turn in to McGilvray and installation of a U-turn on Morley Drive between McGilvray and Bagshot Place. The City of Bayswater had advocated for the changes, highlighting the unsafe nature of the intersection and the importance of improving the road for the safety of motorists. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Bayswater mayor Filomena Piffaretti has campaigned for upgrades to the intersection since 2021. 'The city welcomes the State Government's commitment of $4m towards upgrading the intersection at McGilvray Avenue and Morley Drive,' she said. 'This is a dangerous intersection and the city has advocated to Main Roads for funding to make it safer for our community.' Bayswater North ward councillor Josh Eveson has also advocated for improvements alongside the mayor. The intersection becomes messy as there is a shopping precinct 1.2 km down the road. Credit: Sophie Gannon 'This funding shows the voices in our community are being heard,' Cr Eveson said. 'I hope this $4 million investment signals the beginning of broader upgrades in the area, particularly along Morley Drive, another major corridor in need of renewal.' WA Premier Roger Cook said it was part of a major investment to help improve some of the worst congested areas across the northern suburbs. 'WA is a rapidly growing State but my government's prudent financial management means we are able to deliver on these commitments,' he said. In a social media post from March last year, Cr Eveson shared his personal view on what he believes the works may end up looking like. Credit: Facebook 'We will never stop working to ensure Western Australians have access to the infrastructure we need.' The upgrade is part of a $113.4 million project targeting congestion 'hot spots' in Perth's north. A more detailed design of the layout is expected to be completed in 2025/26 , and community consultation will be taken, giving locals an opportunity to comment on the design.