Dalkeith Millionaires Secure Approval for $500k River Staircase
Owners of a prestigious mansion on Perth's famed Millionaire's Row have received the green light to construct a lavish $500,000 staircase connecting their Dalkeith property directly to the Swan River foreshore. Matthew James Fry and his wife Anna Katarzyna Fry have been granted permission by Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn to build a 40-metre staircase at the rear of their home located at 26 Jutland Parade.
Luxury Property and Pandemic Fortune
The couple purchased the expansive 2372 square metre riverfront block in 2022 for a staggering $16.5 million, marking it as the most expensive property sale during that financial year. Their wealth stems from supplying rapid antigen tests to the State Government throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling this high-end acquisition.
From Private Plan to Public Benefit
Two years after the purchase, the Frys lodged initial plans for the stairwell with the Swan River Trust in March 2024. The proposal aimed to replace an existing 50-year-old staircase, described in a Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions report as being in a "state of disrepair" and overrun with invasive species.
Originally, the design focused on private access through Crown land to the river, emphasising reduced bulk and scale. However, the plans were revised to minimise visual impacts and incorporate a broader public benefit. The updated design now includes public access and vistas across the Swan River, featuring a viewing platform and associated landscaping works.
Approval with Strict Conditions
The new plans detail an aluminium stairway that will descend from the top of the 8-metre cliff-side property to the foreshore. Minister Swinbourn approved the project last week, subject to several conditions:
- Authorised works must not obstruct public access along the foreshore, except for temporary closures necessary for safety.
- The owners must fund a legal agreement with Nedlands council before construction begins, indemnifying the City from any damage or injury that may occur during the public works.
- All significant vegetation must be retained, with Tree Protection Zones established throughout the construction process.
This development highlights a blend of private luxury and public amenity, transforming a deteriorating structure into a modern access point with scenic river views for the community.
