A 17-storey tower in East Perth that would provide housing and wrap-around support for people who have experienced chronic homelessness has been recommended for approval.
Designed by Gresley Abas, the East Perth Common Grounds development would feature terracotta brickwork and glazed arches at its base, with hit-and-miss brickwork above reflecting the historical masonry context of the area. Operable perforated aluminium screens included up the full height of the tower would provide privacy and sun protection while visually tying the built form together.
Proposed for the northwest corner of the Wellington and Hill streets intersection, on a vacant site owned by the state government, the tower would deliver 112 apartments along with communal areas, on-site support services and five commercial tenancies. Based on the Common Ground model initiated in New York in the early 1990s, the development would be part of a “housing first” approach, where homeless people are placed in housing as a priority and then provided with comprehensive support services.
East Perth Common Grounds by Gresley Abas.
The Department of Communities facility will include a 24-hour concierge/security service and will also be wrap-around support services addressing the residents’ needs relating to health, mental health, substance misuse, trauma and other issues.
The development is supported by the City of Perth and its Design Advisory Committee, while the Department of Transport has objected to the proposal on the basis that it doesn’t include sufficient bicycle parking and end-of-trip facilities.
A number of property owners in the area have also objected to the proposal, with many of them citing concerns over the height of the tower as well as “anti-social behaviour” that might be associated with the development, and the impact on property prices. However, the proponent noted that the impact on property values is a not a valid planning consideration.
In its report to the Perth Local Development Assessment Panel, which will consider the development on 1 March, the Western Australian Planning Commission notes that the proposal is “a purposeful development that will address issues of homelessness and social housing needs.” The commission is recommending that the assessment panel approves the tower.
In January 2022, Gresley Abas were appointed to design a second Common Ground facility in Mandurah, which will include 50 self-contained apartments as well as on-site support facilities.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
