Located at 35 Gray Road, Mandurah Common Ground will comprise 50 self-contained apartments along with communal areas, on-site support services and commercial space.
Representatives from community housing and community service organisations, such as 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.
On 21 October 2024, the then Minister for Housing; Homelessness John Carey MLA announced Atlas Building (WA) Pty Ltd as the builder for Mandurah Common Ground. Works commenced on site in late 2024.
Once complete, the building will be operated by a Community Housing Organisation, with tenants supported by a Community Service Provider. A Tender process is underway to identify both service providers.
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@dohw.wa.gov.au.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mandurah Common Ground?
Show moreThe State Government is committed to increasing housing options for people experiencing ongoing homelessness through All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020–2030.
Mandurah Common Ground will deliver permanent, supportive housing for the duration of need for adults who are experiencing ongoing homelessness, rough sleeping and/or are earning a low income.
Input was sought through a range of engagement activities with local communities and key stakeholders to inform the design of the Mandurah Common Ground site, and to ensure that it will meet the needs of its tenants. This includes the incorporation of trauma-informed design, and improved accessibility through Livable Housing design standards.
Workshops and interviews were undertaken with people experiencing homelessness, community housing and services organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other representatives from other Common Ground sites operating across the country.
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 indicated the importance of locating Common Grounds close to public transport, local amenities and a range of public services including primary health care. This is to help tenants access a range of services available to them, in addition to services delivered on site.
What will it look like?
Show moreMandurah Common Ground will have a contemporary, sustainable design, complementary to its surroundings. The six-storey building will:
- comprise 50 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 disabilities 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 construction contract was awarded to Atlas Building Pty Ltd in October 2024. Construction commenced 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 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 health and wellbeing, including supports for employment, workforce training, education and long-term supports.
How long can people stay at Common Ground?
Show moreMandurah Common Ground is not crisis accommodation or temporary housing. It will provide permanent supportive housing to tenants for the duration of their need. This includes people who choose Common Ground to age in place.
The Department of Housing and Works and the Department of Communities are working closely with the City of Mandurah, local residents, business owners and service providers to ensure Common Ground will become an integral part of the community.
How can I apply to live at Common Ground?
Show moreOnce construction is complete, Mandurah Common Ground will be managed by a Community Housing Organisation, which will be responsible for property and tenancy management functions, including receiving and reviewing applications for tenancy.
The Community Housing organisation will work in collaboration with a Community Service Provider which will be responsible for Tenant Support Services. The process to identify these organisations is underway. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Print this page
