Demolition makes way for prime North Beach site revitalisation

• North Beach residential redevelopment to deliver new social housing dwellings
• Tender open for demolition of North Beach site to make way for a revitalised precinct
• Site well located near beach, transport, schools, public open space and other amenities
  

A derelict and ageing former public housing site in North Beach is set for demolition to make way for an Urban Renewal Project set to revitalise and improve the precinct in a boost to the State's housing supply.

The North Beach Urban Renewal Project has involved a long-term program of work, including the relocation of existing tenants and homeowners, which has been a complex undertaking.

As part of this process, the Department of Communities has negotiated and settled with the last remaining private property owner on the purchase of their property, ensuring the Department owns 100 percent of the site, before the project can begin.

Originally developed more than 40 years ago, the site contained a mix of 45 ageing public housing dwellings, including three single houses, 36 townhouses and six vacant lots.

A tender for demolition of the site has opened today, Tuesday 21 March: https://www.tenders.wa.gov.au

Demolition and site preparation works are anticipated to be completed by mid-to-late 2023.

Upon completion of the demolition and siteworks, the 2 ha site on Cromer Way will be released to the market, and will include a mix of social, affordable and private housing to revitalise the site.

The community housing sector and development industry will then be invited to express their interest in developing the site to achieve a residential development which will improve the quality, affordability, diversity and amenity of housing stock in the suburb.

Comments attributed to Housing Minister John Carey:

"The North Beach site is an example of some of the challenges we face with ageing and inappropriate social housing stock.

"At major social housing sites like in North Beach, we have to navigate the impacts of large enclaves of social housing and ageing stock, and make decisions based on whether the significant cost of refurbishment outweighs the cost of re-building.

"Sites like this have created issues in the past, including anti-social behaviour, which is why we are now tendering for its demolition to make way for a new vibrant precinct to be delivered.

"I have been on the public record stating that some difficult decisions had to be made by our Government regarding ageing and inappropriate housing stock - this is one of those decisions.

"This Government inherited ageing stock, which requires significant investment to lengthen its time frame and our Government has been moving to an integrated model of public housing across a number of suburbs.

"My message is clear: we're using every lever we can, to bolster the supply of social housing - including through urban renewal projects like this one in North Beach.

"The Cromer Way site is close to nature reserves, several schools, shops, sporting amenities and just down the road from the beach.

"This is all part of our Government's reforms - which includes a record $2.4 billion investment in social housing and homelessness measures over four years, which will oversee the delivery of about 3,300 social dwellings along with refurbishment and maintenance to thousands of others."

Comments attributed to Scarborough MLA Stuart Aubrey:

"It's great to see the Cromer Way, North Beach site revitalisation is the latest project being progressed by the McGowan Government to provide more housing options including social and affordable living to the local community.

"North Beach is an incredible location, in close proximity to many desirable amenities, and once the renewal project has been completed, it will enable more people to call Scarborough home."

Minister's office - 6552 5300