Amendment 41 - Northbridge Special Entertainment Precinct

Update

Amendment No. 41 introduces Special Control Area No. 28 to City Planning Scheme No. 2 to establish the Northbridge Special Entertainment Precinct, in recognition of its significance as the State’s premier entertainment area. Amendment No. 41 was initiated by Council on 4 December 2019, adopted by Council on 13 December 2022, and published in the Government Gazette on 6 February 2026.

The officer report relating to the amendment can be viewed on the City’s website at 2022 Council meetings for the City of Perth. All submissions have been addressed in the officer’s report.

Background

The Northbridge Special Entertainment Precinct was originally proposed by the City of Perth to provide greater operational certainty to entertainment venues in Northbridge. The amendment responds to the practical challenges of a growing capital city and seeks to protect the vibrancy and economic viability of the entertainment precinct, while supporting the growth of Perth as a liveable city.

Amendment 41 establishes Special Control Area (SCA) No. 28 to create the Northbridge Special Entertainment Precinct (NSEP). The amendment:

• defines a Core Entertainment Area, a Frame Entertainment Area, and a Transition Area between the Core and Frame;
• sets precinct-wide maximum external noise levels for each area (including 90 dB(C) in the Core and 79 dB(C) in the Frame);
• introduces acoustic attenuation standards for new entertainment venues and for new residential and short‑term accommodation to manage noise transfer; and
• restricts further permanent residential development in the Core Entertainment Area while protecting existing residential land use rights.

Key Modifications Requested by the Minister of Planning

The Minister’s approval included a number of important modifications to the amendment that was adopted by Council in December 2022. The principal changes are:

• Residential accommodation in the Core has been reclassified from a “Contemplated Use” to a “Prohibited Use” (with existing residential dwelling protected as ‘Additional Uses’ under CPS2).
• New Permanent residential uses will only be considered in the Transition and Frame areas.
• Student accommodation and short term accommodation land uses can be considered in the Core area.
• Co‑living and Build‑to‑Rent land‑use categories were removed; Co‑living was replaced with Student Accommodation.
• Setting the maximum permissible noise level in the Core at 90 dB at 63 Hz.
• Several specific sites and portions of the Core (including parts of the Cultural Centre, the Perth Mess Hall, portions of the Court Hotel and lots facing Roe Street) were removed from the Core.
• Specific ISO‑based acoustic attenuation standards were included to ensure residential developments meet internationally recognised building acoustics requirements.
• A 56‑metre Transition Area was introduced around the Core with additional acoustic requirements to acknowledge that some parts of the Frame will experience Core noise levels.

State Government – Environmental Health Reforms

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is preparing amendments to the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997. These changes will formalise the establishment of the Northbridge Special Entertainment Precinct and set out the provisions for the approval and operation of entertainment venues.

Should you have any queries regarding the proposed amendment please contact Jonathan van Butzelaar on 08 9461 3407 or email jonni.vanbutzelaar@cityofperth.wa.gov.au