New Bunbury scheme paves the way for more CBD living

High-rise residential complexes on top of already existing commercial and hospitality businesses in the Bunbury CBD are part of the vision of the city’s new Local Planning Scheme No. 8.

More inner city living options have been a major talking point in anticipation of the new scheme and along with Victoria Street, sections of Spencer and Strickland streets and Forrest Avenue have been earmarked for residential potential.

Mayor Gary Brennan said the new scheme would provide more flexibility, opportunity for higher-density residential and encourage CBD living.

“I’m talking 10 to 15-storey buildings being encouraged into our central area, which includes residential, commercial, retail that suits that central area,” Mr Brennan said.

“We’re catering for a mixed use for frame areas where we are enabling more flexibility.

“So instead of one block being residential and the block next door being commercial, we’re looking at a frame where you can have a bit of movement between having a commercial or retail activity on the ground floor with residential accommodation upstairs.”

The latest town planning scheme identifies the success of multi-storey residential above retail in the Marlston Hill precinct.

Mr Brennan said it was up to property owners across Bunbury to realise the development potential provided by more flexibility under the new scheme.

“If there is a mood – and I hope there is – to invest in Bunbury’s future, I encourage them to do that in the next year or so to take full advantage of it,” he said.