WA Planning Commission approves application to replace Stirling Towers in Highgate with social housing

An old suburban eyesore will be demolished in a matter of weeks to make way for new “vibrant” social and disability housing. The WA Planning Commission greenlit a development application to demolish the Stirling Towers and replace it with a State Government Build-to-Rent project at 49-67 Smith Street, Highgate, last month. The project will transform the former public housing site into 109 new apartments of one and two-bedroom social, affordable and specialist disability housing. Of the 109 apartments, 78 will be dedicated to social housing, while seven will be used for disability accommodation. The 4962sqm facility will also include an edible rooftop garden, residents’ lounge, courtyard and parking for more than 60 cars. Both Community Housing Ltd and Tetris Capital submitted a development application to the City of Vincent in July and have been contracted to manage the demolition and prepare the site for the new dwellings Architectus principal Mark Black said the project would prioritise “connection, community and quality”. “Our vision is to create an integrated, pedestrian-friendly precinct that blends into the existing urban fabric, fostering a strong sense of community and offering high-quality living experiences for all residents,” he said. “This project will set a precedent and play a vital role in alleviating the strain on Perth’s rental market by offering a diverse, high-quality mix of social and affordable housing options.” The facility will also focus on sustainability, with eco-friendly design features such as natural ventilation and solar PV cells. “The recipient of the development approval marks the latest key milestone achieved for the Smith Street BTR project and we are delighted with the rate of progress toward construction commencement achieved to date,” Tetris Capital director Brent de Jong said. “We demanded a truly exceptional design response for this trailblazing project and this design delivers. “We look forward to accommodating a diverse and thriving new community in this inner-sanctuary for the people of Highgate.” While a demolition date has not been decided, PerthNow understands it is expected to be complete early next year. Construction of the new dwellings is scheduled to begin by mid-2025. Built in 1970, the towers once contained 79 Homeswest family units but has been vacant since its last tenants moved out in 2014.