EAST FREMANTLE council has won its battle with the Defence department and will get to develop a masterplan for the Leeuwin Barracks.

Just a year ago, the council’s then-CEO Gary Clark complained the department had taken a “talk to the hand” approach when told the council wanted to be involved in the planning stage.

But this week the council announced it was taking the lead role in preparing the “vision” for the site, with defence taking a “support” role.

• Leeuwin Barracks. Photo by Meagan Barrett

Surrounding residents and landowners will be invited to be part of the process, which involves charette planning sessions where participants work in groups on specific design issues before presenting them together so an overall picture can emerge.

The site will then be sold on the open market.

Mayor Jim O’Neill was happy negotiations had been finalised.

“Council views the sale and subsequent development of the site as a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity for stakeholders to collectively map out and shape the future development of this unique riverside site,” Mr O’Neill said.

Former navy junior recruits have been angling to have an existing memorial retained and the history of the site recognised in the design phase.

Mr O’Neill said he was too busy at the moment to comment about the groups’ request.

by MEAGAN BARRETT