The Queens Riverside affordable and social housing project in East Perth will deliver 211 new residential dwellings for Western Australians in need by converting a former serviced apartment complex into long-term rental accommodation.
The refurbished building, known as Q4, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments for singles and couples, including seniors.
The first stage of refurbishment works was completed by Kardan Construction in early 2026, allowing the building to be partially tenanted. Residents have since been moving in through a staged occupancy program, supported by structured tenancy selection and unit allocation processes.
OPRA Projects has been engaged to undertake the second stage of works, which is now underway. This stage involves upgrades and modifications to improve the building’s layout and functionality for residents.
Foundation Housing Limited has been appointed as the Community Housing Provider for the complex following a restricted tender process and detailed evaluation. They will be responsible for the ongoing management of the complex, including property maintenance, tenant services, and community wellbeing initiatives.
Q4 forms part of the Queens Riverside precinct and is close to public transport, shopping and other essential amenities. By providing more affordable and social housing in a central location, this project ensures more Western Australians have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background, stage of life, or income.
Commercial suites within the complex will also be leased, enabling the activation of the lower floors to support a vibrant mixed-use community. Two of these suites have been leased to Volunteering WA, while another has been leased to La Veen Coffee.
Community engagement
Following feedback from community information sessions, the Department has established a Queens Riverside QIV Project Reference Group (PRG). Membership for the PRG includes four residents of Queens Riverside and representatives from the City of Perth, Anglicare and the Department of Housing and Works.
This PRG plays a central role in fostering collaborative, respectful dialogue and ensuring a smooth and integrated transition for future tenants and existing residents. The purpose of the PRG is to:
- support the positive integration of new residents into the Queens Riverside community
- facilitate sharing of insights, lived experience, and community perspectives to help guide project outcomes
- facilitate consistent and accurate information sharing.
Media statements
Historic boost to affordable and social housing in East Perth - 26 June 2025
First stage of refurbishment works underway at former Fraser Suites - 8 September 2025
Request for proposal issued for affordable and social housing - 13 October 2025
Community Housing Provider appointed to manage former Fraser Suites complex - 6 March 2026
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More information
Updates will be made available on this page as the project progresses. If you have questions about the project or require information in an alternative format, please email SAHProjects@dohw.wa.gov.au.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the property purchased?
Show moreThe State Government continues to drive investment and new initiatives to deliver more housing for Western Australians, and the Department’s priority is to see as many as possible in safe, secure and sustainable homes. This acquisition will see short-stay accommodation converted to much-needed long-term social and affordable residential housing – meeting a clear need in the community without competing with the established residential market.
The Department is actively working to significantly increase housing options for the most vulnerable members of the community by using all available strategies to expand housing availability across the State. The acquisition will address the significant demand for social and affordable housing in the metropolitan area, 80 per cent of which is driven by people are seeking one- and two-bedroom homes.
Acquiring and repurposing the property will allow the State Government to quickly and efficiently deliver a housing solution for those who most need it, saving significant time and money in comparison to building a standalone development.
Who will be eligible to live in the apartments?
Show morePeople who satisfy the requirements of the Community Housing Eligibility Policy (PDF, 183KB) are eligible to apply for housing at Queens Riverside Q4.
The split is expected to be 70 per cent affordable and 30 per cent social housing.
Affordable housing is a type of housing that supports households on low to moderate incomes (around $62,000 for singles, $86,000 for couples, and $107,000 for families) who are ineligible for social housing but unable to afford current market rental housing to access a suitable home. This might include people who work in retail, hospitality, health support and aged care.
How will tenants be selected/how can I apply for an apartment?
Show moreAs the appointed Community Housing Provider, Foundation Housing Limited will be responsible for selecting suitable tenants.
Community Housing Providers are skilled in matching people to properties by assigning housing according to individual requirements and paying attention to location, design and support needs.
Apartments at Queens Riverside Q4 will be offered to individuals/households who are eligible for social or affordable housing according to the Community Housing Eligibility Policy (PDF, 183KB).
Foundation Housing Limited has established a webpage where you can find more information and register your interest: Queens Riverside Precinct Housing.
What is the role of the Community Housing Provider?
Show moreAs the appointed Community Housing Provider, Foundation Housing Limited is responsible for the management of the property and the tenants. This includes and is not limited to:
- maintenance and upkeep of the property
- tenant selection and tenancy management
- strata fees and strata engagement
- management of communal amenities within the building.
How long will the repurposing work take to complete?
Show moreIt is expected that the overall conversion of the Property will be completed in 2026 and that there will be minimal impact to the surrounding apartments. Updates will continue to be provided during the conversion phase.
What kind of work will be involved in the repurposing of the property?
Show moreThe Department intends to undertake minor works to the existing property to make the short-stay apartments suitable for long-term housing. These will be completed in two stages.
The first stage of works has been completed. This stage included:
- the repurposing of the outdoor communal area and gymnasium into useful tenant amenity areas with the inclusion of landscaping and function space
- minor maintenance works within the apartments, studios and other areas within the lot
- the creation of a bin collection point and amenities for residents.
The second stage of works is underway and comprises structural works such as:
- the addition of storerooms, kitchenettes and permanent bike and laundry facilities
- the repurposing of the pool to provide additional common amenity areas
- the provision of a long-term office and working area for the Community Housing Provider.
How will works be managed to avoid disruption to surrounding residents and businesses?
Show moreThe Department will engage suitably qualified contractors and require them to:
- manage the works in line with local and Strata requirements, which means most works will occur during the specified hours of 7am to 7pm Monday through to Friday and, if required, Saturdays
- provide public contact information for any queries relating to building works.
What security measures will be in place?
Show moreThe Department is upgrading the CCTV system at key entry points of the building and will review the current security measures in place, including access cards, to determine whether they are sufficient for a long-term tenancy cohort.
As the appointed Community Housing Provider, Foundation Housing Limited will have an on-site presence at the property to assist tenants.
What will happen to the current amenities at the property?
Show moreThe pool, spa, gymnasium and sauna located within in Lot 1 are not Common Property and accordingly not accessible to the public and other members of the Strata.
The pool and gym have been decommissioned as part of the building repurposing. These spaces will remain as amenity areas for future residents in the form of a communal function and storage area.
What is happening to the commercial suites?
Show moreThe existing commercial tenancies will remain and be leased by the Department to improve activation for the area. Two of these suites have been leased to Volunteering WA.
In addition, La Veen Coffee will soon be moving into the former restaurant and café located on the ground floor of Q4, adding a vibrant new offering to the precinct.
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