Local practice to design Perth Aboriginal short-stay facility

Iredale Pederson Hook Architects has been appointed to design the Aboriginal short-stay facility in the suburb of Cannington, south Perth.

To be built on a 7,000-square-metre site on Hamilton Street, the facility will be for Aboriginal people across Western Australia who have travelled to Perth.

"Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects will consult with stakeholders across Western Australia to design a safe and culturally appropriate accommodation facility for Aboriginal people visiting Perth to access services or for business, cultural and family reasons," said WA housing minister John Carey.

"The architect is recognized globally for its work with Aboriginal communities throughout Western Australia."

Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects' projects include the Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Design; Yagan Square, named after the famous Noongar warrior and leader; and the Walumba Elders Centre, a house for elderly Aboriginal people, which received international recognition.

The architects will work with Aboriginal people to inform and guide the inclusion of cultural stories and Aboriginal stories throughout development.

Existing regional short-stay facilities in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Derby and Broome welcome thousands of visitors each year, greatly reducing the incidence of rough sleeping in these regional centres, the WA government said. Short-stay facilities are also under development in Geraldton and Kununurra.

"The establishment of new Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation services in Perth, Geraldton and Kununurra will ensure safe, culturally-considered short-term accommodation is available to support Aboriginal visitors from regional, remote and metropolitan areas," said Carey.