Armadale City Centre. Photos courtesy of the City of Armadale.
In Perth’s eastern suburbs, the City of Armadale is one of WA’s fastest growing regions. With population growth increasing by 46% over the last decade, it is quickly establishing itself as an investment hub.
“In recent years, business and commercial growth in the region has surpassed expectations, providing ongoing opportunities and extensive scope for future development,” says Ruth Butterfield, City of Armadale Mayor.
“The City of Armadale is one of the few metropolitan local government areas with large tracts of affordable land for development, suitable for a broad range of industries and uses.”
The City of Armadale is among the fastest growing regions in the State, with its gross regional product (GRP) increasing by 38% from June 2012 to June 2022. This is well above the State growth rate over the same period of 28%.
From 2021 to 2022, the City of Armadale’s GRP was 6.9%, compared to WA’s 3.2%, and Australia’s 3.7%
Why invest in the City of Armadale?
1. Rapidly growing population
The region’s population growth has exceeded the State and national average for almost 10 years. Public and private investment has led to improved amenities and infrastructure, further enhancing the lifestyle on offer. On average, eight new people move to the City of Armadale every day, predominantly families with children. The City of Armadale predicts population growth to continue for at least the next 20 years, going from 100,768 at the present time, to 148,346 people by 2041.
2. Strategic Metropolitan Centre
The City of Armadale is recognised as a Strategic Metropolitan Centre by the WA Planning Commission and in the State Government’s Direction 2031 and Beyond plan. This status encourages government investment and advances development opportunities.
3. Strong transport linkages
The City of Armadale is easily accessible by road and public transport, including heavy vehicles. Major roads such as Albany, South Western and Tonkin highways and Nicholson and Armadale roads pass through and connect the region. Its city centre is 28 kilometres from the Perth CBD, 24km from Perth Airport, and less than 30km away from the Fremantle and Kwinana shipping ports. Additionally, the Armadale railway line is being fully upgraded and extended to include a new station in Byford including the removal of several level crossings, which will ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity. The Armadale Train Station will soon be demolished and redeveloped into a modern facility with an elevated railway line.
4. Accessible, affordable land and timely approvals
The region has a rapidly growing residential property market which ensures a strong local labour force for businesses. Data from the Real Estate Institute of WA shows Armadale’s median house price of $370,000 has risen by 64% from 2020 to 2023, whilst still being affordable, remaining below the Perth metropolitan average of $585,000. Similarly, non-residential development activity has increased, with building approvals reaching record levels in 2022-23, exceeding $208 million of investment and reflecting a 49% increase on the previous year.
The region has a diverse range of land offerings available for both residential, commercial and semi-industrial use. Developments are approved in a timely manner by the City of Armadale as it has a 10-day timeframe for certified building applications, but averages 1.5 days. In addition, the City participates in the Small Business-Friendly Local Government initiative and the Business-Friendly Approval Program, through the Small Business Development Corporation. This actively supports small business in the region and works to improve the customer experience of businesses dealing with local government.
5. Diverse workforce
The City of Armadale’s economic strength is underpinned by its diverse workforce and commercial growth. Its largest industries by employment are education and training, manufacturing, health care and social assistance, retail trade and construction. Local occupations are across all levels, including trades, professional services, management, and resident workers, bolstered by the region’s growing population. The City’s demographic is diverse, with various backgrounds, cultures, ages and life stages making up the community.
6. Semi-rural hills lifestyle
Nestled among scenic parks and valleys, the City of Armadale is on the doorstep of the picturesque hills. The landscape bodes well for local tourism and is a major lifestyle and investment drawcard for a peaceful destination just outside the city.
WA Investments at Forrestdale Business Park
Forrestdale Business Park.
The Forrestdale Business Park (FBP) is a 330-hectare site strategically located at the intersection of Tonkin Highway and Anketell Road. In the past 10 years, $380m of development applications have been lodged, leading to a variety of industries being established, including manufacturing, warehousing, freight and transport, wholesale trade, construction, retail trade, and professional and scientific services.
Multiple investment opportunities within FBP are listed on WA Investments* – the State’s primary digital showcase of investment-ready projects – including:
Forrestdale Central
A multi-use commercial project developed by Realcom Group and Gazebo Management offers semi-industrial and commercial opportunities, such as warehousing and trade services. View the investment listing here.
Tonkin Highway West Industrial Estate
A 13-hectare site is for sale through Hesperia, offering businesses a prime location to grow their operations. The developed vacant block is strategically located on the corner of Tonkin Highway and Armadale Road. The site can be customised for businesses including accommodating wide-load vehicles, making it ideal for manufacturing, transport and logistics operations. View the investment listing here.
Forrestdale Business Park West
Covering 178 hectares, this site is at the intersection of Tonkin Highway and Armadale Road. It provides a high-quality semi-industrial environment for businesses to build, relocate or consolidate operations. Currently 25% developed, the site has potential to unlock $816m in private investment. Offered by Development WA, businesses operating at this location are estimated to generate $1.6 billion of annual economic activity and provide almost 4,500 full-time jobs. View the investment listing here.
Forrestdale Business Park East
This 190-hectare site offers multiple lot sizes to accommodate various commercial enterprises. Located at the intersection of Tonkin Highway and Armadale Road, the site is convenient for heavy transport access, and has NBN access. Recent developments include plans for showrooms, workshops, offices, transport depots and more. View the investment listing here.
*WA Investments is a collaboration between CCIWA and Invest and Trade WA.
If you are looking for support or advice in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced International Trade and Investment Centre team at [email protected].
