The social and affordable housing provider has downscaled the number of apartments in the project, as costs rise.
Foundation Housing’ $70 million plan to bring 107 social and affordable dwellings to Como has been approved by planning authorities.
The Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel today unanimously approved a scaled down version of the social and affordable housing provider’s plan to bring apartments to Como.
Foundation Housing initially gained approval for a 121-dwelling, $35 million, eight-storey project in February 2022.
The proposal was recently amended to a six-storey building comprising 107 apartments, with an estimated end value of $70 million.
Existing single dwellings at the 63 to 65 Ley Street site will be demolished to make way for the project.
Speaking at today’s meeting, DAP member John Syme was complimentary of the configuration of the development.
“This is an impressive development, taking 15 dwellings and turning them into 107,” he said.
“Going into high rise, I think the fact it’s got all this into six levels is impressive and appropriate to the site and to the area.
“The mix of dwellings is a good one, the way they’ve been designed and formatted is also very nicely done.
“The discretions that we’re being asked to take in terms of building separation are quite minimal.”
The internal courtyard for the project. Image: Hames Sharley/DAP Documents
Deputy presiding member Francesca Lefante proposed an amendment to the application that allows for minor changes to be made to the project with the City of South Perth's approval.
This was carried unanimously, with Mr Syme remarking that is was a commmon sense change.
"This is such a complex development that a level of negotiation or compromise on what could be relatively minor issues is required, so I think rather than having a cut and dry condition to have some kind of negotiation in there [works]," he said.
The project will receive funding via the federal government’s Housing Australia Future Fund.
Foundation Housing is expected to announce a builder shortly, with work on site scheduled to commence in February 2026.
