Perth Voice Interactive

A NOTORIOUS Homeswest high-rise tower that’s been vacant for around a decade while homelessness numbers continued to rise, is finally facing the wrecking ball.

On Wednesday the Cook government announced that Brajkovich Demolition & Salvage had been appointed to demolish Stirling Towers in Smith Street, Highgate.

The demolition will pave the way for the construction of one and two-bedroom social, affordable and special disability units which will be managed by a community housing provider.

Dubbed Suicide Towers and Hell Towers by former residents and neighbours, the complex was beset with anti-social behaviour in the years before it was finally sealed off.

There were a number of development proposals over the years which didn’t see the light of day, while the site needs significant remediation.

The state government said the development would be considered a public work and come under the authority of the Department of Communities, but Vincent council would be given the opportunity to provide feedback.

“A development application for the project has also been lodged with the City of Vincent by the consortium comprising of Community Housing Ltd and Tetris Capital, who will manage the site readiness works on behalf of the state government,” it’s release said.

The application will be advertised by Vincent, but approval will lie with the WA Planning Commission.

Housing minister John Carey said the first stage would be the demolition and finalising the designs.

“The Stirling Towers site is in a well-located area, close to a range of amenities including the Perth CBD, shops, public transport and parks, as well as education, sporting and entertainment facilities,” Mr Carey said.

“Redeveloping the Stirling Towers site as a build-to-rent model will assist tenants through social, affordable and market rental arrangements, supported by on-site tenancy management. 

“The state government is tackling a number of large-scale redevelopment projects as part of major urban renewal process to boost the state’s housing supply,” he said.

by STEVE GRANT