Yaralla flats transformation brings keen buyers to Coolbellup apartments

17/6/2000
The transformation of the unsightly Yaralla flats in Juliet Road, Coolbellup to create a range of modern and attractive apartments marks the ultimate in recycling, Housing Minister Dr Kim Hames said today.
"The old Yaralla flats were an unsightly blight on the area, and there were many calls to demolish them," Dr Hames said.
"However, the decision was made to press on and refurbish them as part of the State Government's New Living program.
"That decision turned out to be a good call, with people camping out for days in order to buy one of the new apartments. All 18 were sold within two hours of going on the market."
Yaralla has now become Juliet Court, where a total of 48 apartments have been refurbished at a cost of $3.6 million.
When all the apartments are sold, they are expected to generate income of almost $5 million, which will be used by the Government for new and better quality public rental housing.
Dr Hames congratulated the successful buyers of the first 18 apartments at a ceremony today.
"It was an astute purchase by these buyers as Coolbellup's location will become increasingly well regarded given its closeness to Fremantle and Perth," he said.
The New Living program in Coolbellup began almost two years ago, with hundreds of outdated public housing properties being gradually refurbished to revitalise the suburb. Streetscapes are being beautified, new parks and other community amenities established and neighbourhood security increased.
Of a total of 2,350 dwellings in the suburb, 750 - or 32 per cent - belonged to the Ministry of Housing when the New Living project started. Homeswest's target is to reduce public housing to 12 per cent of total dwellings - or 250 homes.
"New public housing these days is indistinguishable from that of the private sector and a ration of 12 per cent is on a par with most other suburbs," Dr Hames said.
Typical refurbishments across the suburb involve interior and exterior painting, fencing, landscaping, reticulation, roof restoration, kitchen and bathroom improvements, carpets, light fittings and security measures. Tenants can choose to purchase their renovated homes, continue renting or relocate to other areas.
Dr Hames said Juliet Court was well positioned to give anyone entering the suburb a view of just what a difference New Living was making to Coolbellup as a whole.
"People returning here after a couple of years away would not recognise Coolbellup, though geographically it always had the potential," he said.
"Property values have increased 18 per cent since New Living got under way here and that is something that has happened with all these projects.
"Property values go up, the crime rate drops, people feel safer and, perhaps most importantly of all, they suddenly feel part of a community in an area they can be proud of."
Dr Hames said the project was due for completion in about two or three year's time.

The Minister thanked the commissioners and officers of the City of Cockburn and members of the local community for their participation in the project, and congratulated the project manager, the Fini Group, for its design flair and management throughout.
Media contacts: Caroline Lacy on 9424 7450
MOH: Bev Wilcox