National not-for-profit Ability First Housing has acquired five units at Hesperia’s $65 million Victoria House development for specialist disability accommodation.
Hesperia will redevelop the heritage-listed Victoria House to include hospitality, retail and commercial offerings, and build three adjacent residential buildings with 80 apartments, five of which will be specifically designed for people with a disability.
The SDA apartments will be made available to qualifying residents through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Ability First Housing is a registered NDIS SDA provider owned by Ability First Australia, a national alliance of 14 disability services providers.
The five apartments at Victoria House are the group’s first acquisition.
Ability First Housing chief executive Mark Worrall said he was delighted to deliver an outstanding opportunity for people with disability.
“We look forward to Victoria House’s completion in early 2023 and celebrating SDA residents moving in,” Mr Worrall said.
Hesperia director Kyle Jeavons said the partnership reflected the company’s commitment to facilitate access to high-quality housing for people with disability.
Disability service provider Ability WA, which is part of the alliance that formed Ability First Australia, will provide onsite living supports for SDA residents enabling them to live independently.
The property is well-located, about six kilometres from the city and from the beach.
Hesperia has announced it has secured some tenants for the commercial spaces in the building.
Hot Bread Retail Group, the business behind bakeries including North Street Store and Little Loaf Lunch Bar, will open a full-service alfresco-style venue at Victoria House.
Paediatric health services provider Western Kids Health has secured a commercial tenancy.
Construction at the site started in May 2021.
Hesperia and Ability Centre have worked together previously, with the disability services provider securing a 1,000 square metre site at the developer’s Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct for tis Ability Centre South Hub.
The hub will include an office, therapy centre and space for community services and employment services.
