195 Pier Street: addressing the need for affordable and diverse housing

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heralds our 195 Pier Street build-to-rent (BTR) project in Perth, Western Australia, as a crucial stride in tackling the state’s housing crisis.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced yesterday that the 195 Pier Street build-to-rent (BTR) project designed by Hassell in Perth, Western Australia marks a significant step forward in addressing the pressing need for affordable and diverse housing across the state.

“This project ticks all the boxes and will deliver more than 200 new well-located homes for Western Australians.

“It will mean key workers can live and work in the same community and provide new homes to Western Australians in need, including older women at risk of homelessness.”

— Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia

​“Our decision to unlock more funding for social and affordable homes is helping to deliver projects just like this across the country.

​“It’s all part of our plan to give more Australians a safe and affordable place to call home.”

As part of the state government’s Housing Diversity Project initiative, 195 Pier Street represents the first BTR development for social and affordable housing by Development WA in collaboration with Housing Choices WA — a community housing provider, and its investment partner Super Housing Partnerships, who will own and manage the completed development.

At 29 storeys, 195 Pier Street is focused on inclusive community living, offering 219 apartments ranging from studios to two bedrooms. The development features a ground floor with flexible co-working spaces, a corner food and beverage tenancy and office space for Housing Choices WA. This extensive podium level serves as a community hub, providing shared amenities to foster social interaction among residents.

A RICH LEGACY

Situated within a historical printing precinct on the fringe of the Perth CBD where prominent publishing companies such as The Sunday Times, The West Australian and The Australian once thrived, the design of 195 Pier Street pays homage to the rich printing legacy of the area. The façade of the building integrates elements of the printing process, translating traditional typeface blocks into a distinctive feature. The tower serves as a conceptual representation of printed media, with its elevations resembling the covers of books or newspapers.

Hassell Senior Associate, Alex Jones says the design approach highlights the significance of the building’s location.

“The design captures the printing past of the area. It builds upon the great connections the building has to the city and surrounds to create a vibrant and inclusive urban community.”

“Here, residents can feel supported and safe, embrace the opportunities provided, and, most importantly, have a place to call home.”

— Alex Jones, Senior Associate 

In addition to addressing housing needs, the development aims to revitalise the north-eastern area of Perth’s CBD. By leveraging its proximity to key attractions and major transport hubs, 195 Pier Street aspires to uplift this north-eastern area of the city, injecting life, vibrancy and activity into the surrounding area.

195 Pier Street will comprise 30% of social housing dwellings, with the balance being affordable housing and market rentals inclusive of specialist disability accommodation. The project will also create a sustainable and replicable model for future social and affordable housing.