- The WA Deaf School in Cottesloe officially handed over to aged care joint venture Cottesloe Living, Health & Aged Care
- Redevelopment of site to include residential aged care housing, and new facilities to support Western Australia's deaf children
The Cook Government has finalised the $35 million sale of the heritage-listed Cottesloe Deaf School site to Cottesloe Living, Health & Aged Care, in a major boost to aged-care housing and deaf support facilities.
Cottesloe Living, Health & Aged Care is a joint venture between the Fire and Emergency Services Superannuation Fund, and aged care provider Hall & Prior Aged Care Group. The organisation was identified as the preferred proponent to redevelop the heritage-listed site in 2022, following a competitive registration of interest process.
Redevelopment of the site will provide quality residential aged care and apartments for seniors. It will also deliver new facilities for the West Australian Foundation for Deaf Children, continuing its 125-year legacy supporting the deaf and hard of hearing community, and their families in Western Australia.
Originally built in 1896 by the Foundation for Deaf Children, the school provided education, technical training, and boarding facilities for deaf children until 1949, when it was taken over by the State Government.
The redevelopment will ensure the conservation of the iconic building and thus protecting the integrity of this impressive State Registered heritage property.
Comments attributed to Lands Minister John Carey:
"This iconic site is an integral part of Cottesloe's history that will once again be activated to its full potential, while providing essential support and health services to Western Australians.
"The Cook Government is committed to supporting the State's ageing population, and ensuring the provision of quality aged care facilities that will allow the local community to age-in-place closer to family and friends, and familiar surrounds.
"The redevelopment of the Cottesloe Deaf School site will not only deliver essential housing for ageing Western Australians, but also provide new facilities to support the vital services of the West Australian Foundation for Deaf Children."
