Our future homes at Mount Hawthorn
Community Housing Investment (WA) Limited, with Community Housing Limited (CHL) as the community housing provider, has lodged an application to change the existing development approval for 370–374 Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn.
If approved, the amended design would deliver a mixed-use social (Band A) and affordable (Band B) housing development with 48 apartments, made up of 29 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom homes. The site is on the corner of Oxford Street and Anzac Road, in the Mount Hawthorn District Centre, close to shops, services and public transport.
The site currently contains vacant single-storey commercial premises. If approved, detailed design will continue before any construction begins. A Construction Management Plan will be developed to address matters such as construction hours, noise, dust, traffic, access and communication with nearby properties.
Project updates
The project is in the planning and design phase following lodgement of the amended Development Application with the City of Vincent (the City) in late February 2026.
This site was approved in 2022 for a different mixed-use development and the current application is seeking to change that approval. The City will assess the application, invite public comment and prepare a recommendation before an independent panel (Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel) make the final decision.
The City will publicly advertise the proposed plans and supporting information for the community to view and provide comment between 7 April to 6 May 2026.
To view the DA submission and learn more about the advertising period, visit Development Applications Open for Consultation | Imagine Vincent from 7 April 2026.
Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn design
Sitting on a prominent corner at the entrance to the Mount Hawthorn shopping area, the building is designed to complement the surrounding streets and respect its neighbours.
Compared with the earlier approved design, the current proposal reduces the building height from eight storeys to seven, moves the upper levels further away from homes to the east and sets the upper floors further back from the building’s edge with recessed balconies so the building looks less bulky. The exterior draws on Mount Hawthorn’s historic character through the use of brick, light-toned render and metal detailing.
The current design has been purpose-built for social and affordable housing, with 48 apartments made up of 29 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom homes. At ground level, the design includes a welcoming lobby entrance on Oxford Street and a small office space. Vehicle access would be from Anzac Road only and the existing driveway on Oxford Street would be removed to prioritise pedestrian activity and improve the quality of the street frontage. The proposal includes 29 car bays, 24 bike bays and a dedicated bike maintenance area. The lower number of car bays reflects the site’s central, walkable location, its proximity to Leederville train station and frequent bus services along Oxford Street and the cycling facilities included in the design.
The design includes a rooftop terrace, indoor communal spaces and a small public garden area. At ground level, the landscaping retains existing street trees and introduces new planting using native or drought-tolerant species, garden beds, climbing plants, raised planters and efficient irrigation. The building has also been designed to be highly sustainable, with high energy efficiency ratings, an all-electric design with no gas used on site and a rooftop solar system.
To view the DA submission for more details about the proposed design, visit Development Applications Open for Consultation | Imagine Vincent from 7 April 2026.
Our future tenants
Oxford Street, Mount Hawthorn will house a mix of eligible households in social (Band A) and affordable (Band B) housing.
Social Housing (Band A) will be made available for households on very low incomes who may find it hard to access or sustain private rentals. Affordable Housing (Band B) will be made available to people on low to moderate incomes including key workers who need to live close to jobs, education, public transport, shops and services.
Social Housing (Band A) will be allocated to people on the State Government’s Joint Wait List in accordance with eligibility criteria. CHL will manage the Affordable Housing (Band B) allocation process, prioritising a diverse resident mix and, where policy permits, local key workers and applicants with ties to Mount Hawthorn and surrounds to support a balanced, inclusive community. Expressions of interest will open closer to project completion. CHL will have a long-term role in operating and managing the homes, with ongoing responsibility for the building, grounds and day-to-day property management.
Our impact
The development will increase the supply of affordable and social housing in a well-located area and help more people live close to services, jobs, and public transport.
It will also support local activity by housing people close to where they work, study and spend time, while contributing to a more active and welcoming streetscape through its design, landscaping and communal spaces.
The project aims to show how well-designed community housing can improve the look and feel of a street, support local activity and contribute to a more diverse community in Perth’s inner suburbs.
Safe, secure and affordable homes support people to focus on their family, health, wellbeing, education and career, as well as participate more fully in their community.
