FIVE-STOREY buildings would surround Melville Plaza in Bicton under a plan to turn Waddell Road into a “main street”.

The increase in density, flagged by Melville council, would see about 350 new dwellings built in the precinct and is aimed at creating a “vibrant, mixed-use centre” by 2031.

The council has just finished consulting over the “district centre” and while there was some resistance to the added density, acting CEO Christine Young says she’s pleased with the level of feedback.

She says most concerns were about people wanting traffic calming and fearing the creation of a “concrete tunnel” at the intersection with Canning Highway.

“The city must now review the public submissions to understand and establish what changes, improvements and updates can be made to the plan to address some of the feedback provided,” Ms Young said.

The council will vote on the amended plan before it’s submitted to the WA planning commission.

The increased density is Melville’s response to predictions Perth will need another 800,000 homes to cope with increased population density in the next 35 to 40 years.

Melville aims to facilitate 18,500 of those homes.

Murdoch, Booragoon, Canning Bridge, and Risely Street/ Canning Highway are other activity centres.

by TRILOKESH CHANMUGAM