The Australian arm of leading American development and real estate investment firm, Sentinel Real Estate (Sentinel) has today announced it has submitted a Development Application for its latest major Build to Rent project at 194 West Coast Highway in Scarborough, Western Australia.

This is the third Build to Rent project by Sentinel in the Australian market, following the success of its three-stage Element 27 project in Subiaco. The first phase of Element 27 has been operational and tenanted since early 2019, making it the first purpose-built institutional Build to Rent development in Australia.

 Sentinel has submitted a proposal for a 17,221 square metre mixed-use development on the corner of West Coast Highway and Manning Street. It will be developed, leased and managed by Sentinel and help support the housing and social needs of the local area. The proposed development features a single 21-storey Build to Rent tower atop a 3-storey mixed-use podium, as well as plans for a significant expansion and upgrade of the surrounding public space.

Just 200 metres from scenic Scarborough Beach, the planned premium community will hero dramatic views and access to the natural beauty of greater Scarborough. Home to 175 apartments with a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom floorplans, it will also have four commercial tenancies across the three podium levels, 230 bike parking bays, 215 car parking spaces and enhanced End of Trip facilities for commercial staff.

Michael Streicker, President of Sentinel Real Estate said: “We’re excited to continue to bring our 50 years of expertise to our latest Build to Rent development in Perth. With world-class design, a focus on sustainability, quality amenities and greater, revitalised public space, our project at 194 West Coast Highway will add value to Scarborough’s vibrant beachside and provide renters with a secure, engaged and premium community.

“We can see the local housing market and consumer mindset is evolving and there’s an opportunity to diversify housing options. Following the success of Element 27 in Subiaco, we know our Build to Rent model can deliver quality housing for more West Australians,” said Mr Streicker.

In addition to new residential and commercial space, a wide range of additional community amenities have been proposed following consultation with the local community and integration of their feedback and priorities. These include new plazas and parks that respect the pedestrian nature of the existing neighbourhood and provide greater space for relaxation, exercise, pet-friendly activities and engagement with the arts.

 There will also be a small café fronting a new community park at Manning and Filburn Streets, and amenities such as a bicycle repair station for local cyclists and additional seating and shelter for the public within one of the development’s new public plazas.

Sustainability is at the core of the project with the building targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating. The design will incorporate the use of rainwater harvesting for onsite irrigation, deep soil planting zones, drought resistant and low water use plantings, WELS rated fixtures and enhanced metering strategies to manage water usage.

Energy will be managed through an internal embedded network and reduced through the use of integrated solar shading, double glazed façade systems to enhance thermal performance, high efficiency lighting and appliances, daylighting and onsite solar energy generation.

Prior to submission of the Development Application, Sentinel consulted with community stakeholders and groups on what public amenity they thought would benefit the local area most. Results showed a strong desire for inclusion of a local café or restaurant, as well as dog-friendly facilities and night-time lighting.

 The community reported that ‘laid back’ and ‘friendly’ were Scarborough’s most notable personality traits, voted at 69% and 62% respectively. ‘Young’, ‘casual’ and ‘diverse’ were the second-most popular group of personality traits, voted for at 38% each.

Sentinel Real Estate most recently also announcement the Development Approval of Lot 204, the third and final phase of its other Build to Rent development in Perth, Element 27. Phase 2 of Element 27 is currently under construction and slated for occupancy in June 2021, at which point construction will begin on Phase 3. Sentinel has another Build to Rent project currently underway in West Melbourne.