The Western Australian government has approved two major developments in Perth’s City Link precinct, delivering more than 170 affordable and social housing apartments alongside 854 student beds in the heart of the Western Australian capital.
The projects (located on Roe Street and Telethon Avenue) form part of the government’s broader push to address housing supply across the state, backed by a $10.8 billion commitment to housing measures since 2021.
DevelopmentWA will deliver a 174-dwelling build-to-rent project on Roe Street, comprising 139 affordable rentals and 35 social homes across 30 storeys.
The development was designed by MJA Studio and will be constructed by Icon Construction to meet silver-level accessibility standards, with an average 7-Star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme rating.
Construction is anticipated to begin in the second half of 2026 and is expected to take approximately two and a half years to complete.
The project is one of 14 build-to-rent apartment developments that DevelopmentWA is leading on behalf of the state government, with funding flowing through the Housing Australia Future Fund for operation and maintenance by an appointed Community Housing Provider.
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey described the Roe Street development as part of an unprecedented investment in build-to-rent housing, designed to put more affordable options within reach of Perth residents.
On Telethon Avenue, Sirona Capital has received approval to proceed with a 33-storey student accommodation tower set to deliver 854 student beds, with shops, cafes and restaurants planned for the ground floor.
The development sits within walking distance of the new Edith Cowan University City Campus and North Metropolitan TAFE.
Construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2026, with an opening scheduled for 2029.
Minister Carey noted that the ECU City Campus has driven a significant surge in student accommodation demand, and the Sirona project is positioned to help meet it.
Both developments sit within Perth City Link, a transformative 13.5-hectare urban redevelopment that has reconnected the CBD with Northbridge for the first time in more than a century.
Once divided by rail infrastructure, the precinct has been reshaped into a mixed-use destination featuring residential and commercial spaces, dining and entertainment venues, Yagan Square, and direct public transport connections.
Minister Carey said the government’s housing strategy has placed particular emphasis on delivering homes close to public transport and educational opportunities, priorities that both new developments directly reflect.
Together, the two projects represent a combined investment in city-centre living, targeting key segments of the housing market: those in need of affordable or social rentals, and the growing student population drawn to Perth’s expanding higher education precinct.
The WA government has framed both approvals as steps toward its stated goal of ensuring every Western Australian has access to a home.
