First stage of refurbishment works underway at former Fraser Suites

• Western Australian-based and registered Aboriginal business Kardan Construction appointed to deliver Stage 1 of refurbishments at former Fraser Suites
• $105 million investment will boost housing supply of affordable and social housing by up to 236 units in East Perth
• To be managed by an experienced and prequalified Community Housing Provider

The Cook Labor Government has appointed Kardan Construction to undertake the first stage of works to convert a former serviced apartments complex in East Perth into long-term rental accommodation for affordable and social housing.

The 236-room serviced apartment complex, formerly Fraser Suites, was recently acquired by the government for $105 million - the largest single purchase for housing by a Western Australian government.

Refurbishment works to improve liveability for future tenants are being undertaken in two stages, with Stage 1 involving minor works such as furniture removal, electrical reconfiguration, installation of temporary laundry facilities and landscaping.

The completion of Stage 1 works will allow the Community Housing Provider (CHP) to partially tenant the building.

Kardan is an award-winning WA-based and registered Aboriginal business that takes great pride in working on social and affordable housing across the State.

Stage 2 works will commence following receipt of development approval and a building permit.

These works include the installation of storerooms, a permanent laundry, new kitchens for the studio apartments and conversion of the pool area to a functional community living space.

The State Government expects to announce the appointment of a CHP to manage the complex by the end of the year.

Comments attributed to Housing and Works Minister John Carey:

"Our government made the bold move to purchase and repurpose Fraser Suites to provide a big, quick and cost-effective boost to the rental market.

"It is great to see the conversion to affordable and social housing progressing, with Kardan Construction now appointed to deliver Stage 1 works.

"The acquisition was a historic decision, marking the single-biggest purchase of a building for affordable and social housing by a WA Government, and is part of our record $5.8 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures."