THE East Fremantle corner of East Street and Canning Highway will be home to 34 new social housing dwellings, after the Cook Government announced Foundation Housing as the preferred builder and operator of a long-awaited residential development.

“This project will be a three-storey, 34-dwelling building,” the state government confirmed in a statement this week.

It marked the next step in its push to unlock “lazy government land” for affordable housing across the metropolitan area.

The East Street site is part of the state’s Housing Diversity Pipeline and will deliver 19 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom dwellings, with construction expected to begin in 2026.

“This builds on our government’s historic investment in housing and homelessness measures, which has resulted in the delivery of more than 3,300 social homes across our sate,” premier Roger Cook said.

Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk said the project had been made possible through cooperation between state and federal governments.

“It’s great to see this project progress with an experienced community housing provider selected as the preferred proponent and federal funds secured,” she said.

The East Freo development will be funded under round two of the Albanese government’s $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund.

Federal Fremantle MP Josh Wilson said: “These 481 new homes – 447 in Subiaco and 34 in East Fremantle – will provide well-placed, affordable and secure homes for individuals and families facing economic challenges, including essential workers, seniors, vulnerable women, children, and veterans.”

Planning and Housing Minister John Carey said the decision to locate social housing in well-connected suburbs would benefit residents and set them up for the future.

“Through strategic partnerships with highly experienced community housing providers we’re delivering well-located social and affordable housing – close to jobs, public transport and essential services.”