Located on the corner of Hill and Wellington streets, the East Perth Common Ground will comprise 112 self-contained apartments along with communal areas, on-site support services and commercial space.
The appointed building company, ADCO Constructions Pty Ltd, has commenced construction. A tender process to identify service providers to provide tenancy and additional supports for East Perth Common Ground has commenced.
- Representatives from community housing and community service organisations, Aboriginal community controlled organisations and other Australian Common Ground sites were actively engaged in the design process. Workshops and interviews were also held with people experiencing homelessness to ensure East Perth Common Ground will meet the needs of its tenants.
- East Perth Common Ground forms part of the Perth City Deal's Homelessness Housing Projects, a partnership between the State and Australian Governments, and the City of Perth, which is providing housing and support services to vulnerable people.
Further information
A series of frequently asked questions can be found below.
If you have any questions or require information in an alternative format, please email: commonground@communities.wa.gov.au.
Frequently asked questions
What is the East Perth Common Ground?
Show moreThe State Government is committed to increasing housing options for people experiencing ongoing homelessness through its All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10 Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020–2030.
East Perth Common Ground will deliver permanent, supportive housing for the duration of need for adults who are experiencing ongoing homelessness, rough sleeping and/or are earning a low income.
Input was sort through a range of engagement activities with local communities and key stakeholder to ensure the East Perth Common Ground site will meet the needs of its tenants and to inform the design. This includes the incorporation of trauma-informed design, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, and improved accessibility through Livable Housing design standards.
Workshops and interviews were undertaken with people experiencing homelessness, community housing and services organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other representatives from other Common Ground sites operating across the country.
Why was this location chosen?
Show moreIn the 2016 state Census, East Perth recorded the highest number of people sleeping rough within the state.
The site on the corner of Hill and Wellington streets was chosen based on evidence from other successful Common Ground projects across Australia. The evidence tells us that suitable sites should be in proximity to public transport, local amenities and a range of public services including primary health care. This is to assist tenants with ease of access to a range of services available to them, in addition to services delivered on site.
What will it look like?
Show moreEast Perth Common Ground will have a contemporary, sustainable design, complementary to its surroundings. It will:
- comprise 112 self-contained apartments, commercial spaces and shared functions for the delivery of coordinated support services
- create a sense of connection and wellbeing though its indoor and outdoor communal spaces
- be accessible for people with disability and enable tenants to age in place
- recognise the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through culturally responsive design.
Will it be safe for tenants and the local community?
Show moreYes, research from other Common Ground projects operating in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide shows that the 24/7 front desk presence, together with on-site support services, provides a safe environment for tenants, visitors and the surrounding community.
Evidence suggests that serious incidents at Common Grounds across Australia are rare. If this was to occur, staff will be trained in how to manage serious incident scenarios and emergency services will be called to attend.
When will construction commence and when will it open?
Show moreThe Department of Communities awarded the construction contract to ADCO Constructions Pty Ltd in July 2024.
Construction commenced in late 2023.
The East Perth Common Ground is expected to open to tenants in late 2025.
What are the benefits for tenants?
Show moreThe Housing First approach at the core of the Common Ground model seeks to reduce the barriers to entry seen in traditional housing models. In this way, tenants’ circumstances, including income, employment, health or history, have little to no impact on their entry to Common Ground.
Once housed, tenants of Common Ground, will be able to access a range of support services to sustain their tenancy and improve their wellbeing, including supports for employment, workforce training, education, or address long-term issues, such as alcohol and other drug addiction services.
Tenants, including their families and visitors, will also have direct access to places of reflection, play spaces for them and their children, and barbeque and picnic facilities.
How long can people stay at the Common Ground?
Show moreEast Perth Common Ground is not crisis accommodation or temporary housing. It will provide permanent supportive housing to people experiencing ongoing homelessness, rough sleeping and/or are earning a low income, for the duration of their need. This includes people who choose Common Ground to age in place.
The Department of Communities is working closely with the City of Perth and local residents, business owners and service providers to ensure the Common Ground will become an integral part of the community.
