Located at 85 Allnutt Street, Mandurah Common Ground will comprise 50 self-contained apartments along with communal areas, on-site support services and commercial space.
The appointed building company, Atlas Building (WA) Pty Ltd, is expected to commence construction in late-2024. A tender process to identify service providers to provide tenancy and additional supports for Mandurah Common Ground is expected to commence in mid-2025.
Reflecting our commitment to quality stakeholder engagement, input has been sought from a range of stakeholders to inform the design and planning for the site.
Representatives from community housing and community service organisations, Aboriginal community controlled organisations and other Australian Common Ground sites have been actively engaged in the design process. Workshops and interviews were also held with people experiencing homelessness to ensure Mandurah Common Ground will meet the needs of its tenants.
Further information
Further information will be provided on this page as the project progresses. A series of frequently asked questions can also be found below.
If you have any questions or require information in an alternative format, please email commonground@communities.wa.gov.au.
Frequently asked questions
Why was this location chosen?
Show moreThis location was selected following extensive research showing the area to have a high number of people who are sleeping rough.
Additionally, the site was chosen based on evidence from other successful Common Ground projects across Australia, which showed the importance of locating Common Grounds in proximity to public transport, local amenities and a range of public services including primary health care.
What will it look like?
Show moreMandurah Common Ground will have a contemporary, sustainable design, complementary to its surroundings. It will:
- comprise self-contained apartments, commercial spaces and shared functions for on-site support services.
- create a sense of connection and wellbeing though its indoor and outdoor communal spaces.
- be accessible for people with disability and for people to age in place.
- recognise the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through culturally responsive design.
Will it be safe for tenants and the local community?
Show moreYes, research from other Common Ground projects operating in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide shows that the 24/7 front desk presence, together with on-site support services, provides a safe environment for tenants, visitors and the surrounding community.
Evidence suggests that serious incidents at Common Grounds across Australia are rare. Staff will be trained in how to manage serious incident scenarios and emergency services will be called to attend, should any serious incidents occur.
When will construction commence and when will it open?
Show moreThe Department of Communities has awarded the construction contract to Atlas Building Pty Ltd.
Construction is expected to commence in late 2024.
Mandurah Common Ground is expected to open to tenants in late 2026.
What are the benefits for tenants?
Show moreThe Housing First approach at the core of the Common Ground model seeks to reduce the barriers to entry seen in traditional housing models. In this way, tenants’ circumstances, including income, employment, health or history, have little to no impact on their entry to Common Ground.
Once housed, tenants of Common Ground, will be able to access a range of support services to sustain their tenancy and improve their wellbeing, including supports for employment, workforce training, education, or address long-term issues, such as alcohol and other drug addiction services.
Tenants, including their families and visitors, will also have direct access to places of reflection, play spaces for them and their children, and barbeque and picnic facilities.
How long can people stay at the Common Ground?
Show moreMandurah Common Ground is not crisis accommodation or temporary housing. It provides permanent supportive housing to people experiencing ongoing homelessness, rough sleeping and/or are earning a low income, for the duration of their need. This includes people who choose Common Ground to age in place giving older people the support they need to live safely, independently, and comfortably, in the place they want, for as long as possible.
The Department of Communities is working closely with the City of Mandurah and local residents, business owners and service providers to ensure the Common Ground will become an integral part of the community.
