A controversial proposal for micro-apartments as small as 26 square metres has ignited fierce debate in Fremantle, with critics warning the development could turn the historic area into a "co-living ghetto" and exploit generation rent.
Development Details and Community Backlash
Property developer Marprop has submitted plans for a $55 million mixed-use development across multiple carparks on Queen Victoria Street, adjacent to the refurbished Dalgety Wool Stores. The project would include 111 co-living apartments, with the smallest units measuring just 26sqm, alongside 83 hotel rooms.
The development has attracted 35 formal objections from local residents concerned about the building's height, density, and significant parking shortfall. The proposal includes only 73 onsite car bays, creating a deficit of 240 parking spaces for residents and visitors.
Tenants in the co-living component would share multiple communal facilities including dining and lounge areas, an atrium, gym, laundry and various outdoor spaces. The hotel section would operate independently with its own amenities including a pool, rooftop bar, lounge areas, lobby access and dedicated parking.
Objections and 'Forever-Renter' Concerns
One strongly-worded objection highlighted international examples where large-scale co-living developments have failed, quoting research suggesting such models often prioritise developer profits over community wellbeing.
"These examples underscore the risks of approving large-scale, high-turnover housing models that prioritise profit over liveability and long-term community wellbeing," the submission stated.
Critics also raised concerns about the concentration of co-living developments in Fremantle, noting that Human-Urban already has approval for a 174-unit co-living space at the Elders Wool Stores site on Cantonment Street, less than 600 metres from the current proposal.
"Concentrating additional untested developments of this kind within a small area of Fremantle seems unwise," the complaint argued. "Queen Victoria Street is already grappling with a range of social challenges and should not be further burdened or risk becoming perceived as a co-living 'ghetto'."
Council Support and Planning Approval
Despite community opposition, the project has received preliminary support in the council's Responsible Authority Report. The report concluded that the design, scale and density were consistent with expectations for a high-density mixed-use precinct in the area.
Marprop, the developer behind the proposal, also gained planning approval earlier this year for another co-living project on Stirling Street in Perth, featuring similarly compact apartments.
The Fremantle development application continues through the planning process as the community debate over micro-living and affordable housing solutions intensifies across Australian cities.
