Blackwood Avenue Mixed-Use Development - Augusta

The Blackwood Avenue development marks an important milestone in its progression, having recently received Development Approval and now moving into the next stages of planning. Located at 74–76 Blackwood Avenue, the proposal brings together a mix of commercial and residential uses, including a main street building with ground-floor restaurant and retail space, offices and consulting rooms above, and a separate residential component comprising 10 two-bedroomapartments at the rear of the site.

The project is intended to support local businesses, improve access to professional and health services, and contribute to increased activity within the town centre.

The residential component introduces a much-needed medium-density housing option for Augusta, suited to downsizers, key workers, and those seeking low-maintenance living close to services. As the project progresses through its next phases, it aims to play a meaningful role in strengthening Augusta’s local economy and reducing reliance on travel to surrounding centres.

In response to community feedback, we have addressed a number of the key concerns by providing answers to the frequently asked questions below.

FAQs

Why are planning variations proposed?‍

Variations are a normal part of WA’s planning system, allowing flexibility to achieve better design outcomes that respond to site conditions, rather than rigid rule-following. In this case, the variations were introduced to provide a better design outcome, and were evolved through consultation with the Local Government's design committee/

How has building height been managed?

The design is around 20% under the allowable buildable area, with increased setbacks and retention of existing trees. Fully compliant options were considered but resulted in a bulkier and less suitable outcome. The proposal’s average building height is well below the allowable maximum height.

Does the project exceed height limits?

Only a small, set-back portion of the commercial component exceeds the preferred height. Overall, the building reads as two storeys from Blackwood Avenue. The residential building is only marginally above the allowable height limit, due to the slope of the site.

What is the justification for proposing this type of development?

The site is zoned Town Centre, intended to support mixed-use development, local services, and long-term growth. Furthermore, due to the zoning, individual subdivision was discouraged by the Shire.

Was the proposal independently assessed?

Yes. It was reviewed by the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, two independent Design Review Panels, and the Regional Development Assessment Panel, including input from local councillors and the community.

Is the higher building design driven by profit?

No. The added height isn’t profit-driven. It results in less total floor area than a compliant option, so it doesn’t maximise leasable space. Instead, it prioritises better scale and town centre fit.

What happens next?

The project will move into detailed design and further approvals, with construction expected in the coming years.