Description – PLANNING PROPOSAL AND MULTI-USE DEVELOPMENT
Location of Project – NORWEST BUSINESS PARK
Year Project Commenced – 2016
MHDP was engaged by the Client to look at the opportunity available for his industrial site in Norwest Business Park immediately adjacent to the proposed Norwest Metro Station. The site planning control allowed Commercial/Light Industrial use only.
MHDP identified the site as being directly between the proposed Metro Station and the adjacent residential zoned area. An Easement through the current site provides a walkway for residents to Norwest. A Land Economics Study identified minimal return on Commercial space in Norwest.
MHDP identified an opportunity for mixed use development that would satisfy Council’s commercial requirement while providing the opportunity for work where you live amenity.
A Master Plan was developed including the neighbouring sites to show the potential of a mixed use development. Initial response from Council indicated they may consider such a scheme on merit.
The Master Plan was inspired by traditional town and village planning with an activated central axis that connected the residential zone to the Metro Station. Off this central pedestrian avenue a series of laneways and plazas link buildings at ground level with pedestrian and bicycle access. All parking and servicing are below ground level.
The ground level is a mixture of retail, commercial, service and community uses. Above ground level the buildings provide a range of commercial spaces from small tenancies to large open plan office space. At the podium level are shared community and service spaces for use by residents and workers. These included gymnasium, swimming pool and contemplative gardens. Above this level a range of apartment types were provided varying from studio to three and four bedroom family apartments. The built form stepped and terraced down with a series of garden terraces. This stepping minimised sun shading and bulk and scale impact on the adjoining residences.
The proposal while well accepted by some levels of Council ultimately has been shelved until the Council and State Government resolve the built form over the Metro Station and the future nature of the Norwest Business Park.
TESTIMONIAL
I have used MHDP Architects for six years across a broad spectrum of Architectural projects: a commercial high-rise planning proposal, multi-home residential, apartment and a personal home renovation.
At the beginning of any project Mark and his team are very quick to get across the brief and put together excellent concepts which become the foundation for further discussion and design. One feels the desired outcomes are well understood and always front of mind.
I remember the first ever project Mark was invited to quote. He was head and shoulders ahead of any competition having studied the brief, analysed the landscape and hand sketched a concept. Mark went well beyond the extra mile than any of the opposition who auditioned.
Mark and his team are at all times enthusiastic and on top of the detail. They are structured in their design and build methodologies along with their project management processes. Value for money is a priority leading to budgets that are thorough, tested and well documented. One is never left wondering how the actuals are comparing to budget or expectation. Changes are inevitable along the design/construct journey however any anomaly is embraced, analysed and dissected to avoid any confusion or repetition and before assimilation into the project.
I have found Mark to be very practical with his approach and design – giving suitable architecture and style priority but not at the expense of functionality. Led by Mark, the team works well with the builder managing the project, maintaining good working relations and respect.
I have no hesitation in recommending MHDP Architects for any architectural project and I’d be happy to act as a reference at any time.
PETER WOODLAND
MANAGING DIRECTOR
