A 17-story tower in East Perth that would provide housing and wrap-around support for people who have experienced chronic houselessness 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.
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