House That! Sporting legend Ric Charlesworth takes on western suburbs’ NIMBYs

Sporting icon Ric Charlesworth has bucked the western suburbs anti-density mantra by singing the praises of apartments after recently selling one in his mid-rise development.

The former doctor, professional cricketer, Australian hockey player, Olympic gold medal-winning coach, author and politician has in recent years added developer to his impressive CV, with a nine-unit complex in Nedlands.

The decision to pursue a development happened in 2020 after the rezoning of his family home coincided with a decision by Charlesworth and wife Carmen to downsize.

They built the complex on their land, where it was hoped the pair, their sons, his brother John and others could reside in separate apartments within the building.

While his brother sadly passed away during construction, the complex remains home to the Charlesworth family, and a group of other people he says have formed a “great little community.”

“Nedlands needs density, all of the inner-city needs density,” Mr Charlesworth said.

“About 25 to 30 per cent of the houses around Nedlands have only one person in them.

“It’s a scandal.”

Charlesworth said density in Mosman, Sydney, where his daughter was based, had highlighted to him the benefits of housing diversity, particularly for downsizers and first-home buyers. But he noted Perth had long resisted the change.

“Finally, we have been dragged kicking and screaming into it,” he said.

But he believes mid-rise complexes of three to four storeys high were a better option than high rise, as they fostered a greater sense of community among residents.

While he kept some of the units, he had sold some too, including one to an elderly neighbour who inspected it on her zimmer frame.

He last week sold a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit with a parking space to a young couple for $595,000. The 100sqm unit, including balcony, enjoyed amenities such as a gym and a rooftop BBQ area.