Graham Flats
After World War II, Perth experienced a severe housing shortage as Western Australia experienced high birth rates and attracted migrants. The State Housing Commission (SHC) received many applications for assistance and people often had to wait years for government assisted accommodation. As a result, the SHC turned to constructing multi-storey flats, a decision that was not always popular with the public.
One of the most significant features of the design was the landscaping by John Oldham. He wanted to make the exterior a calming and restful place in which residents could relax. He also incorporated many local plant species into his design.
The opening ceremony on 19 December 1958 took place before invited guests and the media. The speakers all acknowledged that the Housing Minister had been the moving spirit in the erection of the flats. The Premier stated:
there was a growing consciousness of the need to give more thought, care and practical help to assist elderly people to find more comfort and happiness in their later years.
Graham Flats are still predominantly occupied by pensioners while the gardens facing Hay Street at Graham Flats are used by the workers in the vicinity for informal gatherings and eating lunches.
After World War II, Perth experienced a severe housing shortage as Western Australia experienced high birth rates and attracted migrants. The State Housing Commission (SHC) received many applications for assistance and people often had to wait years for government assisted accommodation. As a result, the SHC turned to constructing multi-storey flats, a decision that was not always popular with the public.
Built in the Post-War International Style, Graham Flats are two three-storey buildings of brick and corrugated iron. The complex was designed to provide accommodation for pensioners and SHC tenants. They are named after Herbert Ernst Graham, Minister for Housing 1953-59, and Premier A. R. G. Hawke opened them on 19 December 1958.
From the time of his election to State Parliament in 1943, Herbert Graham showed a keen interest in housing policy. By the late 1950s, the supply of public housing was catching up with demand but it was realised that the housing was not always appropriate for pensioners. Graham wanted a style of flats to address this issue.
In 1957, a Perth Technical College student project produced designs for the site. Some interesting student designs were put forward, but the final design for Graham Flats was completed by the SHC themselves. The chief architect was William Tracey, and the design architect Neville Coulter.
One of the most significant features of the design was the landscaping by John Oldham. He wanted to make the exterior a calming and restful place in which residents could relax. He also incorporated many local plant species into his design.
The opening ceremony on 19 December 1958 took place before invited guests and the media. The speakers all acknowledged that the Housing Minister had been the moving spirit in the erection of the flats. The Premier stated:
there was a growing consciousness of the need to give more thought, care and practical help to assist elderly people to find more comfort and happiness in their later years.
And the SHC Commissioner, A. E. Clare, proudly noted at the opening of Graham Flats, “the last family living in an old army hut in the state had been moved out yesterdayâ€.
Graham Flats are still predominantly occupied by pensioners while the gardens facing Hay Street at Graham Flats are used by the workers in the vicinity for informal gatherings and eating lunches.