Fremantle councillors to consider St Pat’s overnight respite centre to support people sleeping rough

A proposal to turn a former ambulance station into a night recreation center for homeless people will soon be considered by Fremantle councillors.

The City of Fremantle will work exclusively with St Patrick’s Community Support Center to develop the center at the city-owned building on Parry Street. It is currently used for waste services.

The new center will offer up to 28 beds per night for men and women, with the option to include two family rooms. Links to other support services will be provided to those who use the centre.

The city’s strategic and general services committee unanimously approved the proposal at last week’s meeting, but the full support of the council is now required for the plans to progress.

If approved, the city will work with St Pat’s to develop plans for the center and consult with the community, drawing on the specialist homelessness support service’s decades of experience in emergency assistance.

“Homelessness is one of the most significant social challenges facing Fremantle and no single organization can solve it alone,” Mayor Ben Lawver said.

“This proposal is about creating a safe place for people to sleep through the night, whilst connecting them to the specialist support they need. It is a critical missing piece in the support structure for vulnerable people in Fremantle.”

The center will act similarly to Tom Fisher House in Perth, which is run by Vinnies and provides free nightly accommodation to people experiencing chronic homelessness.

Around $500,000 has been allocated for capital funding in the 2026-27 budget to make the building fit for purpose. The City will also seek other contributions for capital realignment and will defend the State Government’s commitment to minimum five-year funding.

Community members at the meeting were largely supportive of the project, saying it would provide necessary support to people struggling in Fremantle.

St Pat’s chief executive Michael Piu told the committee that overnight respite would not solve homelessness, but it was an important step in the journey.

“We currently have no accommodation in Fremantle for rough sleepers to spend the night. The well-thought-out proposal before the council tonight is a practical and humane response to this gap,” he said.

“It provides a safe place to rest, but more importantly, it offers safety, connection to professional support, and a pathway to shelter and stability.

“More than just a rooftop for the night, it is a professionally run, trauma-informed environment where people can reconnect with healthcare, support services, and pathways to housing.”

The Fremantle Name List recorded between 110 and 260 people experiencing homelessness each month between January 2023 and August 2024. Rough sleeping consistently ranged from 60 to 115 per month.

Fremantle Chamber of Commerce CEO Chrissie Maus said local businesses would also benefit from the centre, which offers support to people in distress.

“Businesses want to see a safe and inclusive Fremantle that welcomes everyone. The chamber has consistently advocated for practical collaborative solutions on complex social issues,” he said.

“A recreation center is not the whole answer, but it is an important and bold piece of the puzzle.”

But some residents worry the center could pose a risk to public safety.

Dale Fairbairn, who lives next door to the proposed site, said he was concerned it could increase risks for immediate neighbours.

“My concern is that a seven-night-a-week recreation center next door to a 40-unit apartment building will have real impacts unless outdoor spaces, security, access and complaints processes are properly planned for before the model is approved,” he said.

“I fear for my safety right now regarding this proposal.”

Next door neighbor Nanette Bourne said safety in the area had declined in recent years and significant “antisocial issues” needed to be addressed.

“While doing my job and walking to the city where I work, I encountered things thrown at me, I was harassed, I was followed,” he said.

“My fear is about more people congregating on the same end of town and what that will do to the safety of people living in the area.”

While Ms. Maus acknowledged that public safety has declined, she said the proposed center would be an important step toward solving the problem.

City officials confirmed that if the proposal is approved, all stakeholders, including nearby residents, will be included in formal consultation processes.

It is expected to be discussed at the council’s regular meeting on July 22.