Social Housing Shoptop Block Revealed for Inner Perth

Plans have been filed for midrise shoptop social housing block in an inner-Perth suburb. 

Spinnaker Developments has proposed the $22.9-million project in the City of Stirling as a significant development application to be determined by the Western Australian Planning Commission. 

The project at 969 and 971 Beaufort Street, Inglewood is on exhibition until March 23.

Spinnaker is seeking approval for a four-storey residential development of 50 social housing apartments. 

Its application said it would be complementary to the locality and provide “a focal point at the northern end of the Inglewood commercial strip”. 

The 1832sq m site houses a derelict, single-storey building, however, it is a prime site 5km north-east of Perth CBD and 800m from Inglewood town centre. 

Designed by Klopper & Davis Architects, the project comprises 10 retail stores on ground level, 28 carparking spots, and a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom units.

Spinnaker’s application said that the key drivers for the proposal were to maximise social housing delivery and minimise ongoing operational costs to residents, thanks to a targetted 8.7 NATHERS rating. 

It said that the design intended to “reduce reliance on external energy sources” required for heating and cooling with a focus on fittings efficiency, electrification and solar panel provision. 

The application said it would provide “crucial social housing in the midst of an extreme housing crisis”.

“The private sector is finding it challenging to deliver housing in areas where there is a demonstrated need but where the economic circumstances do not favour residential development.” 

The City of Stirling wants to increase residential density in the suburb, focusing on urban corridors and activity centres that allow apartment developments. 

Affordable and social housing have been gaining pace in WA as transport-oriented affordable projects are filed for “lazy land” in a new station precinct, and a 109-unit social and affordable build-to-rent housing project and a co-living project, both in the City of Vincent.