Image: An artist impression of the Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation.
The Geraldton Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation project has achieved another major milestone with the appointment of a Midwest-Gascoyne builder to construct the accommodation.
Following the completion of a restrictive tender process, GBSC Yurra Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to build the Geraldton Short Stay.
GBSC Yurra has demonstrated experience working on government housing projects in Western Australia and has committed to supporting Aboriginal employment and local businesses during the project construction, including targets to achieve 8,200 Aboriginal construction hours and 10 Aboriginal employees and two Aboriginal apprentices working on the project.
The Geraldton Short Stay will provide Aboriginal people with a safe, culturally appropriate and affordable short-term accommodation option when visiting the regional town.
Designed by Geraldton-based Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects in consultation with Aboriginal people and stakeholders across the Midwest-Gascoyne region, the Geraldton Short Stay will feature:
- a total 44 units comprising 16 single/couple, 14 family and 14 universally accessible rooms that will accommodate up to 100 guests.
- communal cooking, dining and laundry areas and a children’s nature playground and half basketball court.
Works will commence in early 2024 once building approvals are received and the project will take about two years to complete.
Artwork commissioning
Independent to the building contract, the Department of Communities will also undertake a tender process to commission four separate art pieces from Yamatji and other Aboriginal artists to incorporate into the Geraldton Short Stay building and landscape, which GBSC Yurra will install.
Artwork submissions are due to open in early 2024, with more information to be made available on the project page.
