Pilot Build-to-Rent development proposal for Stirling Towers

• Community Housing Providers and developers encouraged to express interest in redevelopment of Stirling Towers site in Highgate
• Build-to-Rent model being proposed for redevelopment
• Future development would include mixed tenure of social, affordable and market rentals
• Site well located to Perth CBD, transport, shopping and other amenities 

The McGowan Government has today released an Expressions of Interest (EOI) for an innovative pilot project to transform a former public housing site in Highgate into a contemporary build-to-rent development with ongoing tenancy and property management.

Early tender advice in February targeted Community Housing Providers (CHP) and CHP-led consortia to take up the opportunity to redevelop the former Stirling Towers site on Smith Street in partnership with the Department of Communities.

As part of the proposed redevelopment, the site would be made available under a Ground Lease for a term of up to 49 years and it is estimated that the project will deliver approximately 100 new rental dwellings, with around 30 per cent allocated to those on the public housing waitlist.

Stirling Towers was a social housing complex constructed in 1971 consisting of one 12-storey tower and one three-storey tower.

The Smith Street Build-to-Rent project would seek to replace the existing towers with a modern mixed-tenure residential development offering social, affordable and market-price rental apartments, with integrated asset and tenancy management services provided under a ground lease with a CHP.

The Smith Street Build-to-Rent project is a key component of the Government's Housing Diversity Pipeline of sites identified to deliver social housing stock in the short to medium term.

EOI information can be found at https://www.tenders.wa.gov.au/watenders/index.do Tenders WA reference number: DOC9616122

Comments attributed to Housing Minister John Carey:

"We need to be thinking outside the box when it comes to developing future social and affordable housing in Western Australia, and a mixed-tenure build-to-rent development has a lot of potential benefits, particularly for people who are renting.

"The Stirling Towers site is in a high-value location, close to a range of amenities including shops, public transport, parks, as well as education, sporting and entertainment facilities.

"I know the community wants to see this site redeveloped and I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure that happens.

"Stirling Towers is part of our Government's Housing Diversity Pipeline and we are seeking proposals for innovative build-to-rent developments, which is a housing model common in other parts of Australia, but not in WA.

"The build-to-rent model provides a number of benefits, particularly providing more stability for renters who are better protected from changes in the property market.

"Redeveloping the Stirling Towers site as a build-to-rent model will assist tenants through social, affordable and market rental arrangements, supported by on-site tenancy management."

Minister's office - 6552 5300