Disability services provider Rocky Bay is planning to move into its Belmont headquarters in 2025, with construction of the proposed hub estimated to cost about $80 million.
Rocky Bay’s move to Abernethy Road is progressing after the organisation submitted its development application to City of Belmont last month.
The organisation announced its intention to move to Belmont after acquiring the 1.9-hectare site on the corner of Abernethy Road and Fairbrother Street for $13.5 million in September.
The proposed three-storey campus-style development comprises a series of connected pods surrounding a landscape community garden.
Services to be offered at the new hub include paediatric therapy and inclusive early learning, hydrotherapy, multidisciplinary therapy services, sector training and skills development opportunities, and community access programs.
An aerial of the proposed Belmont hub, Image: Rocky Bay
Rocky Bay chief executive Michael Tait said the proposed hub would be one of the most comprehensive service offering in the sector and would leverage the organisation in its bid to support people of all ages and disabilities.
“Our primary focus has always been to design a precinct that not only meets the needs of our customers, but that also addresses unmet needs across the Western Australian disability landscape,” he said.
“This proposal solidly supports that objective, providing a modern facility from which to deliver our existing range of therapy, rehabilitation, skills development, training and community access programs.
“However, more than that, it also proposes new capacity with a specialist paediatric hub, inclusive early learning centre and specialist ‘all abilities’ gym.”
Mr Tait said the proposed design included flexibility to be responsive to future needs.
The development was designed by architecture practice Hames Sharley, with principal Andrew Tang-Smith saying the design was a one-of-a-kind facility in the state.
“The design draws inspiration from internationally recognised campuses to create a new typology unique to this site context and character, which really sets the standard of user experience, integration with healing landscapes and connectivity through design,” he said.
“We also drew on significant lessons from the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkley California, which is well-recognised as a statement of inclusion and a benchmark for universal and inclusive facilities.
“Our team is extremely proud of the proposed design, which we believe places the focus on the users and their connection to their community, nurtured by the landscaped environment to support them living their best life.”
Rocky Bay expects to transition to the new hub in 2025, with a capital raising campaign to support the development to be launched this year.
