Perth Voice Interactive

AFTER a first design was rejected by Perth city council, a new plan for the Barrack Square hotel has passed its first hurdle.

The PCC’s planning committee gave the new waterfront design the thumbs up Tuesday night, saying most bulk and height problems from the first draft have been fixed.

“We’ve come a long way from last time,” committee chair Rob Butler said.

This 260-room design will be five storeys along most of the building, with a tower at one end reaching 18 storeys. The land is currently owned by the state government. The project by Old Perth Port Pty Ltd will cost anywhere between $100 million and $200 million.

While generally liking the design, councillors were baffled by the architect’s plan to insert white striping along the sides, covering some windows.

“I would rather wake up in the morning and have one of the best views in Australia, not a slash of white piping,” Cr Butler said.

“For the life of me I don’t know what he’s done with the tower.”

After the full council makes its recommendation, the final decision rests with the WA government.

by DAVID BELL