Perth’s continued evolution into a more compact and connected city has been a catalyst for more medium and high-density development in infill locations around the metropolitan area.

There is also growing demand for more compact lifestyle options close to transport and amenities from a range of households, including young families, downsizers, professional couples and more.

While density and infill development can raise concerns in some parts of the community, there are quality projects in Perth, which showcase how thoughtful and well-designed development can add to the vibrancy and economy of local neighbourhoods.

Denser living options such as new apartments, villas and townhomes bring a critical population to an area to support local businesses, whether they be new businesses brought in at the ground floor of a new project or supporting those already in the neighbourhood.

For many local businesses to not only survive but also thrive, they need the foot traffic a localised population can bring.

Given more of us now have the option to work from home, there has never been a more important time to have daily amenity close to our doorstep.

There are several fantastic examples of good-quality mixed-use apartment developments which have delivered great amenities, such as cafes, bars and shops, on the ground floor. Those businesses have been very well supported not just by the residents above but also the broader community.

One example is in Shenton Park, where Hesperia’s Victoria House redevelopment is located. Victoria House won the UDIA WA Award for Excellence in both the Medium Density Development and the Design categories in 2023, with the award judges noting the project is an asset to the local community, evidenced by the popularity of the newly opened Wards Central Dining, which the judges said was a magnet for residents and locals alike.

Taking the gong in the Apartments (Mid-Rise) category at the 2023 UDIA WA Award for Excellence, NOMA Residences by Parcel Property in Mosman Park is another example of delivering great amenity – which is genuinely needed in the local area – within a building complementing the existing local character.

This combination of amenity and design has led to broader community acceptance of the development.

Another great example is ONE Subiaco by Blackburne, which just won the UDIA National Awards for Excellence in the for Apartments (High-Rise) category. Subi Continental, along with the range of shops on the ground floor have been a catalyst for Subiaco’s rejuvenation.

Quality development in a range of areas is bringing much-needed housing choice to the market while also adding to the vibrancy and amenity within the local community.