Cockburn Central’s western precinct is set to cement itself as a hub of activity after a $23 million entertainment hub was given the go-ahead.

A Joint Development Assessment Panel approved the mixed use development on the corner of Veterans Parade and Midgeroodoo Avenue, which will include cinemas, restaurants and a bowling alley, despite concerns over parking and traffic.

Facing outwards towards North Lake Road, it will be built in close proximity to Cockburn police station, the Cockburn ARC and the planned Cockburn fire station.

The jewel in the crown of the 10,000sqm multi-storey development will be a United Cinema complex, spanning the top two floors of the build and featuring 10 cinemas with a collective seating capacity of more than 2500.

It will be supported by a food and beverage outlets, bowling alley and a gym.

The JDAP did note several issues with the application, particularly a parking shortfall and concerns the development would generate unacceptable traffic impacts.

Element principal director of planning Murray Casselton argued in a deputation there was not thorough enough analysis to justify the shortfall of 252 bays in the car park.

Uloth & Associates managing director Darren Levy presented another deputation, saying the application had underestimated the amount of vehicle trips the site would generate and the government had already spent $400 million on alleviating congestion at the nearby North Lake Road.

But applicants Rowe Groups argued the development was within 400m of Cockburn Central station, which would ease parking and traffic issues.

City of Cockburn traffic and transport engineers backed the applicant’s traffic impact assessment and agreed the site’s proposed access points on Centenary Lane would be able to handle the load.

Despite reservations from Cockburn councillor Chontelle Stone and JDAP presiding member Tony Arias, the panel approved the application three votes to two.