Rinehart Plots $250m West Perth Business Hub

A $250-million business hub proposal at West Perth has been revealed as  mining magnate Gina Rinehart’s first major foray into commercial property development.

Four years of planning and $41 million in strategic land acquisitions had culminated in the proposal by Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting for the precinct, the company said.

The development application before the state proposes a multi-storey complex across more than 3500sq m at 27-35 Outram Street and 46 Ord Street, about 2km from Perth’s CBD.

The proposed complex would accommodate workers from Hancock’s business divisions, including mining, energy, agriculture, apparel and property.

According to a Hancock Prospecting statement, the new complex aimed to be lush and green, with 60 per cent of the site dedicated to landscaping and public open space.

It would also include serviced apartments, wellness spaces, swimming pools, childminding facilities, cafes, al fresco dining, restaurants and extensive green spaces.

“The vision is to create a precinct where work meets wellness, an unparalleled workplace to support Hancock’s dynamic business and commensurate with its standing as Australia’s most successful private company,” the statement said.

The design incorporates “strong and unique architectural forms” with an open space at the heart of the complex that would allow natural light via two atria.

▲ A rendering of Hancock Prospecting’s $250-million business hub proposal at West Perth.

The complex would sit alongside Hancock’s at Ventnor Avenue, HPPL House, which the company has occupied since 1988.

Rinehart’s West Perth property portfolio has expanded significantly in recent years.

In 2021 and 2022, Rinehart went on a buying spree, purchasing five office buildings at West Perth over a 20-month period.

Her company controls 7187sq m of land bordered by Ventnor Avenue, and Ord, Outram and Richardson streets.

▲ Bollig Design Group designed the five-storey block at 53 Ord Street, which was acquired by Rinehart in 2022.

A key acquisition was the five-storey building at 53 Ord Street, bought for $60 million in July 2022, which will become the new Roy Hill headquarters. Roy Hill is Hancock’s majority-owned integrated iron ore mining, rail and port operation in the Pilbara region of West Australia.

This building, designed by Bollig Design Group and constructed by Pivot Group in 2002, was formerly occupied by Santos.

It is undergoing a $19.5-million refit that includes a distinctive pink facade featuring petal-shaped exterior fins—reflecting Rinehart’s commitment to breast cancer awareness after her mother’s death from the disease in 1983.

Construction partner PACT said the Roy Hill building’s new facade was an “intelligent kinetic facade, a bold and innovative design that pushes the envelope by creating a striking profile on all elevations”.

The application has been lodged via WA’s expedited planning pathway (Part 11B) with the Special Development Assessment Unit. A decision is expected this year. Construction has been slated to begin immediately approval is granted.