FAQs
- Participate in community consultation workshops, and community online surveys where you can provide feedback.
- Provide formal submissions to the City.
- Engage with your local council members.
- Follow the public engagement process.
Why is the City preparing the Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan?
The Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan (MSPSP) is a detailed framework designed to guide the development and transformation of the area surrounding the new Morley Train Station. The plan is structured to ensure well managed growth and development of the precinct, aligning with broader regional strategies and local community needs.
What is a Precinct Structure Plan?
A Precinct Structure Plan is a planning document that provides a framework for guiding how an area will be planned and developed in the future. Precinct Structure Plans are prepared in line with State Planning Policy 7.2 – Precinct Design and follow a standard style and template in accordance with that policy and the new WA Planning Manual – Guidance for Structure Plans (August 2023).
How is this project different from the METRONET Morley Station Concept Master Plan in 2021?
The Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan (MSPSP) builds upon the Morley Station Concept Master Plan (CMP) from 2021.
The CMP, developed by METRONET and endorsed by the Western Australian Planning Commission, provided a strategic vision for transforming the area around Morley Station over the next 30 years. It emphasised mixed-use zoning, high-density residential development, public open space upgrades, and creating a transit-oriented neighbourhood.
In contrast, the MSPSP is a more detailed and actionable plan that focuses on the practical implementation of this vision. It involves preparing a structure plan and development strategy, including specific technical studies, to facilitate land use change and intensification near the Morley Station.
The MSPSP aims to integrate good design principles, enhance walkability and accessibility, and maintain the area's character and heritage. It represents the next stage in realising the strategic vision outlined in the CMP, focusing on detailed planning and execution to transform the Morley Station precinct into a well-designed, transit-oriented neighbourhood.
Who is undertaking the project?
The City of Bayswater oversees the project and has engaged Hames Sharley to undertake the overall urban design, UDLA as the landscape architect, Stantec as the traffic and water consultant, Pritchard Francis as the technical and engineering detailed design, Colliers as property specialists and Shape Urban to facilitate the community and stakeholder engagement.
What elements of the project are fixed and cannot be changed?
Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan will be prepared to the requirements of the State Planning Policy 7.2 Precinct Design.
A transition from light industrial to mixed land uses will be proposed, acknowledging and recognising the reality that this may take some time to be fully implemented.
High-frequency transport links between Morley Station and the Morley Activity Centre will be proposed.
Zoning, residential density codes, and built-form changes will occur to support the plan's objectives.
Streetscape, open space and infrastructure upgrades are included.
What can you influence in the Precinct Structure Plan?
The community can influence several negotiable elements in the Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan, including:
Zoning Decisions: Influence what zoning will be applied in different areas. Zoning refers to the statutory planning method of determining what type of land uses and activities can occur in any given location.
Residential Density: Contribute to discussions on residential density codes and the type and style of housing that might be permitted.
Built Form Outcomes: Provide input on modifications to the built form, including building heights.
Streetscape Options: Influence the choices related to streetscape upgrades.
Public Open Space: Suggest ideas for open space upgrades.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Provide suggestions on the types of infrastructure improvements needed.
How will the Precinct Structure Plan impact my property?
If your property is located within the precinct structure plan area, the plan's requirements will apply to your property.
The specific requirements have yet to be determined, and therefore, the exact impacts on your property are unknown. There are opportunities throughout the project where you can help inform how the Precinct Structure Plan is developed and provide feedback on the draft. (see ‘How can I get Involved’).
How many more dwellings are expected in the area?
It is expected that some 6,000-7,000 additional dwellings could be accommodated in the area, which will be tested through this process.
What if I am concerned about change in my neighbourhood?
The best thing you can do if you are concerned about the possible changes is to get involved and provide as much feedback as possible. You can:
How long will the Precinct Structure Plan take to prepare?
The Precinct Structure Plan will take approximately two years to complete. It takes this long as there are several elements to consider, including community inputs, technical considerations – services, traffic, environment and cultural and heritage matters. It will also require an amendment to the City’s Local Planning Scheme.
Both the plan and scheme amendment require endorsement by the Council and final approval by the Western Australian Planning Commission.
Who will make the final decision?
The final decision for the Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan will be made by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) in consultation with relevant local and state government authorities.
The scheme amendment will also require approval by the Minister for Planning.
How can I be involved?
The community will play a major role in determining the most appropriate options for the precinct and you can get involved in the process for the Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan through:
Participating in Workshops and Meetings: Attend community and stakeholder engagement workshops to provide input and feedback.
Completing Surveys: Fill out surveys that may be distributed to gather community opinions and preferences.
Staying Informed: Follow updates on the project via local media, social media, and the 'Engage Bayswater' project page.
Direct Communication: Send personal feedback or inquiries.
Public Advertising: Engage with formal public advertising of the draft structure plan.
What is happening with the Industrial land next to the station?
The industrial land to the south of the station (Wotton Street, Embelton Avenue) is zoned 'Industrial' under the Metropolitan Region Scheme and does not have access to reticulated sewer. The area is therefore not currently included in the Structure Plan and Scheme Amendment.
The City has lodged a request to the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage to change the underlying zoning of the ‘General Industrial’ area (stage 2) to ‘Urban’, which will be advertised later in 2025 subject to approval for advertising being issued.
What is the background of the Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan?
In 2021 Metronet prepared the Morley Station Precinct CONCEPT MASTER PLAN; a big-picture plan for the area around the new train station. In 2023 the City of Bayswater commenced work to guide future development of the neighbourhood around the new train station; to enable more housing, local business opportunities and public open space upgrades.
To achieve this the City of Bayswater has developed a detailed structure plan for the Morley Station area, which will help define what the future of the area will look like, including type of buildings, land use, population numbers, and what facilities will be included.
The City engaged consultant Hames Sharley to prepare the Precinct Structure Plan, and technical investigations commenced in late 2023 to inform the local traffic and transport management, noise impact, local water management, heritage and infrastructure servicing strategies. The final result is the Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan and associated Town Planning Scheme Amendment 100 which are currently being advertised.
What Community Engagement has been undertaken so far?
In March 2024 the City held two very well attended community workshops where participants were asked to consider how future development should occur to make the Morley Station Precinct a better place for everyone i.e. how things should look and feel, and the types of activities and services provided.
The project team prepared ‘principles’ to reflect the feedback received. To ensure we translated community feedback properly an online survey was run to understand the community support for the principles. The community engagement outcomes report can be downloaded here.
What is proposed in the draft Precinct Structure Plan?
The Draft Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan proposes to amend the land use and densities around the train station to encourage higher density residential development.
The draft structure plan documents can be downloaded here: Morley Station Precinct Structure Plan | Engage Bayswater
The structure plan documents are as follows:
Structure Plan Part 1 - The statutory planning document which covers zoning, land use, development controls and subdivision requirements
Structure Plan Part 2 - The explanatory document detailing the design response to the precinct context
Appendix 1-9 - Background technical reports (e.g. traffic, service infrastructure, water management, noise management, etc)
What is proposed in Scheme Amendment 100?
Scheme Amendment 100 proposes to rezone the Morley Station Precinct area to ‘Urban Development’ This is a zone that is commonly used for areas where a Structure Plan or other strategic documents contains the development requirements for an area.
Once the Scheme amendment and Precinct Structure Plan are finalised it will be the Structure Plan that guides development in the area.
What is the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2?
Stage 1 is the area currently being advertised in the draft Structure Plan and Scheme Amendment 100. The area has access to reticulated sewer and already has an underlying zoning of ‘Urban’, which allows for development to occur.
Stage 2 to the area to the south of the new Train Station that does not have reticulated sewer and has an underlying zoning of ‘Industrial’. The Department of Planning Land and Heritage have advised the City that this area should not be included within the draft Structure Plan until the underlying zoning has been amended. The City has requested the Department of Planning Land and Heritage to proceed with a rezoning, and this will be advertised at a later date subject to State Government approval.
What is the Metropolitan Region Scheme?
The Metropolitan Region Scheme is the underlying zoning map for Perth. It sets out the broad location for land uses such as Residential (Urban), Industrial, Regional Parks, Public Purpose and Major Roads.
What is the “Area subject to Future Planning”?
The “Area subject to Future Planning” is zoned ‘Industrial’ under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) and therefore cannot be included in the current draft Structure Plan. Once the MRS is amended to ‘Urban’ the draft Structure Plan can be amended to include the future planning area.
What is the progress of having sewer installed to the General Industrial area next to the new Morley Station?
The City is continuing to lobby state government for the installation of reticulated sewer to the wider Bayswater Industrial Area and in particular to the Industrial land located to the south of the new Morley Train Station.