Cottesloe Wearne - Stage 1

8 Warton Street, Cottesloe

Redevelopment of Curtin Heritage Living's Wearne Cottesloe site was approved on 3 September 2019, paving the way for one of Perth's largest aged care redevelopment projects.

Stage 1 included construction of a five-storey residential aged care building accommodating 129 residential aged care places, replacing the ageing Wearne Hostel complex while retaining the historic Wearne House. The heritage-listed building was to be carefully restored and repurposed as a community hub containing meeting rooms, activity spaces and communal facilities rather than residential accommodation.

The redevelopment formed part of a larger master plan for the 2.06-hectare site, which ultimately proposed 129 aged care places, 77 independent retirement apartments, new landscaped public spaces and a range of community facilities. The project was designed to be completed in stages so existing residents could continue living on the site while construction progressed.

Approved at an estimated $94 million, the development also included facilities such as a cinema, café, medical and consulting rooms, art gallery, artist's studio, landscaped communal areas and improved public open space. A number of these community facilities were to operate from buildings leased from the Towns of Cottesloe, Cottesloe and Mosman Park under a 25-year agreement.

NearMap

Builder appointed

Built Pty Ltd was appointed as principal contractor for the redevelopment.

By this stage, media reports placed the overall project value at around $130 million. The completed precinct would include the adjoining Waterfront Cottesloe retirement living apartments, although most of that development would be constructed during Stage 2.

Construction was expected to commence in April 2020.

August 2020

Construction begins

Construction officially commenced on 2 July 2020 with a ceremonial turning of the first sod.

Curtin Heritage Living, Built Construction and invited stakeholders marked the beginning of what was described as the Marine Views residential care and Waterfront retirement living development, with completion initially anticipated by late 2021.

The redevelopment was designed to provide contemporary accommodation while allowing residents to remain connected to the local community. Planned facilities included an onsite medical centre, beachside restaurant, rooftop lounge and swimming pool, art gallery, concierge services, housekeeping, pet care, organised social programs and 24-hour personal care.

The redevelopment was also intended to address growing demand for aged care across Perth's western suburbs. Planning documents noted the local population aged between 75 and 84 years was projected to increase by around 40 per cent over the following decade, while the 65 to 74-year age group was also expected to grow significantly.

October 2020

Cottesloe Wearne Hostel Stage 1 - 8 Warner Street

Site preparation

Before major construction began, detailed geotechnical investigations found the site was underlain by Tamala Limestone, with highly variable limestone pinnacles separated by loose sand. This required careful engineering, particularly for the basement excavation and retaining walls, with excavations reaching between 4 and 11 metres in some areas.

Engineers noted that groundwater was not encountered during drilling, although perched groundwater could occur following heavy rainfall. Because of the varying limestone conditions, special foundation preparation was recommended to minimise differential settlement across the development.

December 2020