Construction has officially wrapped up on a transformative $70 million community housing development in East Perth, marking a significant milestone in Western Australia's efforts to tackle homelessness.
A New York-Inspired Solution for Perth
The newly completed East Perth Common Ground is a 17-storey complex that will offer 112 fully accessible, self-contained apartments. In a landmark move for the state, half of these homes will be permanently reserved for people experiencing homelessness.
This ambitious project, which drew inspiration from a successful model first implemented in New York City over two decades ago, represents a major shift in addressing housing insecurity. The development was made possible with an $8 million contribution from the Commonwealth Government.
More Than Just Housing: Wraparound Support Services
The Common Ground model goes beyond simply providing shelter. The complex is designed to offer 24/7 onsite support services and dedicated property and tenancy management. This ensures residents have immediate access to the help they need to maintain their housing and improve their wellbeing.
Premier Roger Cook highlighted the project's significant economic impact, noting that the build alone created 1400 jobs for West Australians.
Housing and Works Minister John Carey emphasised the strategic location of the development, stating it is situated close to jobs, public transport, and other essential services, making it a "well-suited" location for its future residents.
A Housing-First Approach to Ending Homelessness
Homelessness Minister Matthew Swinbourn championed the project as a "fantastic" example of the state government's housing-first approach. This internationally recognised best practice involves providing stable housing as a first step, before then addressing the underlying causes of a person's homelessness.
"This approach is considered to be best practice internationally," Mr Swinbourn said. "It meets people where they are at, and works to address the root causes of their experiences of homelessness."
The first tenants are expected to move into their new homes in East Perth early next year. This project is part of a broader initiative, with construction also well underway on a similar Common Ground development in Mandurah.
