Fremantle Redevelopment Commences

Media Release

St Pat’s has unveiled the first glimpse of its new Fremantle home, marking the start of a major redevelopment that will deliver critical services and housing for people experiencing homelessness.

Located in a disused warehouse on Beach Street, St Pat’s Engagement Hub (the Hub) will provide people experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless, with a safe space to rest and refresh, as well as access to specialist support services, including dental clinics, healthcare, legal assistance and financial support.

Community members joined major project partners, including the Western Australian Government, Lotterywest, Minderoo Foundation and Sisters of St John of God, for an early glimpse of the building on Friday. The Hub is set to open at the end of 2026.

Guests were welcomed with a smoking ceremony conducted by Walyalup Elder Aunty Rose Walley and Danny Ford before being invited to sign a special memorial book to mark the occasion.

WA’s former Chief Justice Wayne Martin AC KC, who serves as Patron of the Redevelopment Project, said that Fremantle is the kind of community where “belonging is an embrace of difference, not conformity”.

“St Pat’s Fremantle Redevelopment Project serves as a promise from our community, that whoever you are, you are welcome here. Dignity, connection and a place to belong are not privileges, but the foundation for moving from surviving to thriving.”

St Pat’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Piu said the Hub, which has been thoughtfully designed by local firm Slavin Architects and is being constructed by Byte Construct, is expected to significantly boost the organisation’s ability to reach people most at risk, now and into the future.

“The growing number of both individuals and families with children living on the brink of poverty is deeply confronting, and it demands that we act now while building our capacity to serve our community in the years to come,” Mr Piu said.

“Every space has been carefully planned to maximise service delivery while ensuring people feel welcome, secure and valued the moment they walk through the door.”

Walyalup Elders and members of St Pat’s Aboriginal Reference Group, who guide the organisation in providing culturally safe support for Aboriginal people, crafted a message of intention for the new Hub, grounding it firmly in its purpose.

Written in Noongar, the message reads: “We have stories to tell, and healing will begin when they are received with open ears and an open heart.”

This powerful statement is accompanied by the Elders’ signatures, which will be engraved into the wood as a lasting symbol of guidance, truth-telling and respect.

The Hub forms phase one of St Pat’s broader redevelopment. Once complete, the community housing provider will move to phases two and three, including the construction of 28 new apartments and the sensitive restoration of its existing heritage premises on Queen Victoria Street.

“We’re currently seeking funding partners to meet our target for the final two phases of the project to bring our vision to fruition and provide critical accommodation and specialist services for some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” Mr Piu said.

To learn more about the next phase of our Fremantle Redevelopment Project, click here.