Works set to begin on five-storey homeless complex in Mandurah

Monday, 21 October 2024 10:35

By Monique Welhan

Mandurah MLA David Templeman, Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday, Housing Minister John Carey and Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke. PIC: Monique Welhan/West Coast Radio

Housing for Mandurah's rough sleepers is another step closer with works on a five-storey Common Ground complex set to begin at the end of the year.

The $43.1 million facility, initially announced back in 2020, will be constructed by Atlas Building and is expected to take around 18 to 20 months to complete.

It will provide a mix of permanent housing options for people experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping or on low incomes, along with wraparound support services and on-site management.

The 50 self-contained units, communal areas and commercial spaces will be built on the corner of Allnutt Street and Dower Street.

Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey said while a number of residents were opposed to the development during the public consultation period, it is important those doing it tough are looked after.

"There was some local campaign that said that this will reduce the values of home prices or I think even unfortunately the word 'ghetto' was used," Mr Carey said.

"We need these services where concerns are, we can't just have this constant idea that we put social housing or homelessness services in one particular suburb or away from other communities or transport.

"If we're to seriously address homelessness and provide housing for people in need, we need to integrate it across communities, close to public transport and close to services."

Asked by reporters why it has taken so long for construction to begin, Mr Carey said it was due to delays in the construction market.

"The reality is that the construction market it very tough," he said.

"Building single homes is much easier than building any multi-dwellings."

Mandurah Common Ground is expected to open to tenants in late 2026.