Proponent chosen for Cottesloe deaf school project

The state government has appointed aged care provider Hall & Prior to redevelop the heritage-listed Cottesloe Deaf School.

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the state government, the West Australian Foundation for Deaf Children and appointed proponent Cottesloe Living, Health & Aged Care.

The appointed proponent is a joint venture between the Fire and Emergency Services Superannuation Fund and Hall & Prior.

The proposed redevelopment includes new aged care and seniors’ accommodation, and new facilities for the foundation.

The WA Institute for Deaf Education building at 53 Curtin Avenue was built in 1896 and provided education and boarding facilities for deaf children until 1949.

An expression of interest land sale campaign was launched by the state government in 2018.

Lands minister John Carey said it had been a long process for the community and people involved.

“We have an ageing community, and providing quality aged care which allows people to remain within their community is absolutely critical,” he said.

“To see the redevelopment of this site deliver more housing choices for ageing Western Australians, particularly those in the local community is a fantastic outcome.

“The plan also includes keeping the West Australian Foundation for Deaf Children on the site - which will continue the long association between the foundation and this iconic location.”

The WA government will enter a period of negotiation with the preferred proponent.