Hon Anthony Spagnolo inquires about the status of the vacant, state-owned Jewell House, seeking information on redevelopment plans and consideration of repurposing options. The Minister's response deflects responsibility to the previous government, citing the building's unsuitability for habitation.

✅ AnsweredQoN 1202Legislative Council
Asked
24 February 2026
Answered
5 May 2026
Response Time
9 days
Portfolio: Planning and Lands; Housing and Works; Health Infrastructure

Question

I refer to Jewell House, located at 180 Goderich Street, East Perth, a significant State-owned asset formerly used for accommodation but currently vacant, can the Minister advise:(a) the current status of this property, including whether any redevelopment, adaptive reuse, sale process, planning approvals, expressions of interest, or feasibility studies have been progressed since it was vacated by the YMCA and ceased accommodation operations in 2015;(b) whether the Government has considered options to repurpose this asset for social or affordable housing, crisis accommodation, community use or sale; and(c) if yes to (b), when will these outcomes be delivered? I refer to Jewell House, located at 180 Goderich Street, East Perth, a significant State-owned asset formerly used for accommodation but currently vacant, can the Minister advise: (a) the current status of this property, including whether any redevelopment, adaptive reuse, sale process, planning approvals, expressions of interest, or feasibility studies have been progressed since it was vacated by the YMCA and ceased accommodation operations in 2015; (b) whether the Government has considered options to repurpose this asset for social or affordable housing, crisis accommodation, community use or sale; and (c) if yes to (b), when will these outcomes be delivered?

Answer

(a) – (c) Under the former Liberal National Barnett Government, a decision was made to close Jewell House, with the Government at the time advising that the building had reached the end of its useful life and could not feasibly be refurbished to meet serious compliance and safety issues. Due to its design, it cannot be reasonably adapted for safe habitation.

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