FAQs
What is a Precinct Structure Plan?
A precinct structure plan describes the intended zoning and subdivision pattern for a land area. Depending on the scale, a precinct structure plan identifies a pattern for street blocks, roads and open space together with proposed zones or land uses and major transport or utility infrastructure. A precinct structure plan provides development guidance for the built form and public realm.
What is Development WA?
Development WA is the primary development agency of the Western Australian State Government, assisting with the identification, design and implementation of major land and infrastructure projects.
As a major landowner in the area, Development WA has prepared the draft Bentley Technology Park Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) to coordinate redevelopment and revitalisation of the precinct.
What is the Western Australian Planning Commission?
The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) is an independent statutory authority of the State Government of Western Australia. The WAPC works with both State and Local Government and has responsibility for integrated urban and regional land use planning and development.
The WAPC is the ultimate decision maker for the adoption of the Bentley Technology Park Precinct Structure Plan.
Why does Bentley Technology Park need a precinct structure plan?
Bentley Technology Park was established in 1985 as Western Australia’s first science and innovation precinct. Today, it remains a significant specialised activity centre for research, development and innovation enterprises. Its economic growth and evolution have been constrained by outdated planning controls that have limited the ability of existing enterprises to expand and collaborate and have deterred new enterprises from establishing.
The precinct structure plan provides a contemporary planning framework that enables coordinated land use, subdivision and development of the precinct.
What is the timeframe for developing the site after the final PSP has been adopted?
There is no set timeframe for the development of the Bentley Technology Park site, and establishment of any new public open space or road networks will be triggered by development, where relevant. Development is expected to be gradual, driven by landowner intent and market conditions.
Will there be any loss of trees as a result of Development WA’s draft PSP?
Development WA’s draft PSP contains outcomes which set out that proposed development should be located and designed to prioritise the retention of existing trees which are healthy, mature, and have significant ecological value (see section 3.7.6 of the PSP). Furthermore, the Town has Local Planning Policy 47 - Tree Retention (LPP47) which states that there is a general presumption against tree damaging activity to any regulated tree (typically substantial trees greater than 8m in height or 6m canopy).
If any development resulting from the PSP proposes the removal of trees, there will need to be justification against the objectives set out in section 3.7.6 of the draft PSP, and if applicable, the provisions of LPP47.
Why is the Town of Victoria Park conducting the consultation process and not the WAPC?
Although the WAPC is the ultimate decision maker for the adoption of the PSP, the Town conducts the consultation process as stated in the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015. As part of this, the Town will prepare a consultation report and a recommendation to the WAPC for consideration.
How does the Bentley Technology Park PSP relate to the Bentley-Curtin Specialised Activity Centre Plan, which already covers the same area?
The Bentley-Curtin Specialised Activity Centre Plan (BCSACP, 2018) is a high-level strategic document covering the wider Curtin-Bentley precinct. The Activity Centre is characterised as a specialised centre for ‘education, research and technology’. The purpose of the document is to inform local planning scheme amendments and future detailed planning for the activity centres various sub-precincts, inclusive of Bentley Technology Park, requiring a PSP to be prepared for further guidance on specific elements such as built form and subdivision.
The plan appears to cover both the Town of Victoria Park and the City of South Perth, how does this work?
The Bentley Technology Park PSP covers both portions of the Town of Victoria Park and the City of South Perth within a single document. A single PSP enables a consolidated approach, ensuring development outcomes across local governments are compatible and reflect the broader vision for Bentley Technology Park. The Town will collaborate with the City of South Perth to ensure consistency and compatibility in the consultation process and reporting.
The document is broken into separate sections to distinguish between the local government areas. The City of South Perth is also advertising the PSP concurrently. If you wish to provide feedback on the part which applies to the City of South Perth please visit https://yoursay.southperth.wa.gov.au/bentley-tech-park-PSP