The Western Australian government is delivering one of the largest affordable and social housing projects in the Perth CBD, with work now underway on 174 new homes on Roe Street.
The 30-storey build-to-rent (BRT) development is one of 21 currently under construction across Western Australia and is set to deliver 139 affordable and 35 social apartments in the heart of the Perth CBD.
With the Roe Street project underway, the total number of BRT homes currently under construction across the state has reached 1,500, with more projects expected to commence in the coming months.
The project is being delivered by the state government with support from the federal government’s Housing Australia Future Fund.
Designed by Perth based architects MJA Studio and built by ICON Construction, the development takes inspiration from Roe Street’s Art Deco heritage and will comprise one and two bedroom apartments.
To ensure accessibility and energy efficiency, the building will be constructed to achieve a minimum Silver Livable Housing Design accessibility standard and an average eight star NatHERS energy efficiency rating.
Sustainability features include a high performance insulated facade, natural cross ventilation, increased winter sun access, all electric services and passive design measures aimed at reducing energy use and living costs.
The development sits within the Perth City Link redevelopment area, within walking distance of Perth Station, City West Station and the Perth Busport, giving future residents easy access to public transport, jobs, entertainment and cultural destinations.
Perth City Link continues to evolve as a vibrant mixed use precinct.
The Dorsett Hotel is nearing completion, new student accommodation projects are progressing and the ECU City Campus is adding to future housing and amenity demand in the area.
Once complete, the precinct is expected to deliver around 1,650 apartments.
Construction on the Roe Street development is scheduled to be completed in 2029, after which the building will be sold to a community housing provider.
The project forms part of the WA government’s record $10.8 billion investment in housing measures since 2021.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Rita Saffioti said the development would provide quality housing in a well connected location.
“We’re building one of the biggest social and affordable housing projects in the Perth CBD, delivering quality homes for people who need them most, in a fantastic location,” she said.
Saffioti said the project reflected a broader push to strengthen housing supply across the state, supported by the government’s $4.7 billion investment in housing in the last State Budget.
Housing and Works Minister John Carey said the Roe Street project was part of a growing pipeline of Build to Rent housing statewide.
“Across WA, we are backing more than 40 Build to Rent projects, with more than 1,500 homes under construction, delivering more social and affordable housing for people on a low income and key workers,” he said.
Carey said the large scale projects would be delivered in stages over the coming years and, through the partnership with the federal government, would contribute to a target of 9,800 new social and affordable homes by 2030.
Member for Perth Patrick Gorman said the project would help more people live close to the amenities the city has to offer.
“Building 174 new affordable and social homes on Roe Street means more people can live close to work, public transport and everything Perth has to offer,” he said.
Gorman said the Housing Australia Future Fund was delivering tangible results in the electorate, with construction now progressing on the ground in Perth.
