Perth architect to design accommodation hub

Perth architecture firm Iredale Pedersen Hook has been appointed to design the Aboriginal Short Stay facility to be built in Cannington.

The Perth Aboriginal Short Stay project is one of three new accommodation facilities being built to meet the needs of Indigenous people travelling to access services, for business, cultural or family reasons.

The affordable short-term accommodation hub will be built on a 7,000 square metre site in Hamilton Street in Cannington, with construction expected to commence in 2024.    

Two additional short stay facilities are being built in Geraldton and Kununurra to complement the existing sites operating in Broome, Derby and Kalgoorlie. 

Today, the state government announced that Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects had been selected to design the Perth facility after putting out a tender in December last year. 

Established in 1999, the firm is known for its work on the Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge, WA Museum galleries, Yagan Square and Manatji Place.

The architects will work with Indigenous people and stakeholders to develop the design for the building and landscape.

Housing Minister John Carey said the architects were recognised globally for their work with Aboriginal communities throughout Western Australia.

“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,” he said.

"WA's existing Aboriginal Short Stays have been critical in improving outcomes for Aboriginal people in the regions by providing a safe and secure place to stay.

"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."

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti said they were pleased to appoint a local firm to design the accommodation facility.

"The establishment of this Short Stay Accommodation will support the McGowan Government's Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy and Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, by providing a safe, affordable and culturally appropriate place for Aboriginal people to stay when visiting Perth to access important services, such as health and education, and attend culturally important events,” he said.