Homeswest redevelopments in Hamilton Hill/Hilton

2/3/94

Hamilton Hill and Hilton are undergoing a major $11.5 million transformation.

Multi-million dollar redevelopments by Homeswest will dramatically improve the suburbs, with old houses to be demolished, new ones built, public space upgraded and many blocks of land offered for sale to the public.

Housing Minister Kevin Prince said today tenders had been let for the first stages of a $5.5 million redevelopment in Hamilton Hill and a $6 million redevelopment in Hilton.

Mr Prince said both redevelopments were expected to be completed next financial year.

They were funded under the Federal-State Better Cities Program, with the State Government providing $6.65 million and the Federal Government $4.85 million.

"The appearance and atmosphere of these suburbs will be significantly boosted with the use of traffic controls, feature walls and entrance ways, landscaping and streetscaping," the Minister said.

"Public open space will be upgraded and, because of the heritage value of some of the homes, we have consulted closely with the City of Fremantle and will retain examples of timber-framed buildings."

Stage one involves the Federally-funded construction of roads, drains and sewerage, and concept plans for stage two have been submitted to the Cockburn City Council and Fremantle City Council for Hamilton Hill and Hilton respectively.

Blocks have been rezoned to allow for the construction of a mixture of single houses, duplexes and group homes.  Lot sizes vary from 350 to 600 square metres.

Mr Prince said the Hamilton Hill project - bounded by Hurford Street, Stratton Street, Carter Street and Healy Road - took in 139 houses with an average lot size of 757 square metres.

The Hilton redevelopment - bounded by Collick Street, Winterfold Road, Buston Street, and Oldham Street - had 360 units of rental accommodation, most built between 1948 and 1955.  It was a priority because of the condition and high maintenance costs of the housing stock.

The oldest Homewest homes in the poorest condition would be demolished and most blocks would be sold to the public, with some being used for more modern Homeswest accommodation.

Media contact:  Ross Storey 325 4133 / 222 9595