Published on Monday, 13 April 2026 at 4:32:44 PM
Following earlier public communications in July 2025, the Town of Bassendean and RSL WA can confirm that discussions regarding future opportunities for the vacant site at 179 Guildford Road, Bassendean, have progressed positively, with a continued shared focus on supporting veterans while maintaining the RSL’s strong local presence.
Lot 179 Guildford Road is a 371sqm freehold Town-owned property, zoned Residential R100, and located adjacent to the RSL sub-branch at 10 Kenny Street, which is a freehold RSL WA asset. Historically the site has been leased to the RSL sub-branch for informal outdoor use and contains no approved permanent structures.
The original three-year lease, which commenced in 2022, expired in June 2025. The Town has, in effect, extended the lease with no ongoing costs to the local RSL Sub-Branch, ensuring the site remains available while both parties explore potential long-term options.
Since mid-2025, the Town and RSL WA have been engaged in ongoing discussions about the potential amalgamation of the Guildford Road site with the existing RSL property. This initiative presents an opportunity for future redevelopment that could potentially deliver veteran housing alongside new, purpose-built ground floor clubrooms for the local RSL sub-branch.
In January 2026, RSL WA signed a Letter of Intent with the Town outlining the key principles under consideration, including:
- a proposed discounted valuation of Lot 179, subject to Council approval
- direct engagement between the Town and RSL WA prior to any public submission process
- Town support, in principle, for a development application to amalgamate the two sites
- advocacy support for state and federal funding opportunities to assist with delivery of veteran housing.
The Town has provided in-principle support to these requests and has briefed relevant Federal and State Members of Parliament to seek potential funding assistance.
RSL WA has since undertaken a due diligence process and developed a business case, which is scheduled to be considered by the RSL WA Board in May. A final decision has not yet been made.
If the proposal proceeds, the Town and RSL WA will continue working together to support the delivery of veteran housing and new clubrooms, including planning for temporary accommodation options for the sub-branch during construction, if required.
Any matters relating to the tenure of the RSL sub-branch remain the responsibility of the sub-branch and RSL WA. The Town has, however, committed to assisting with identifying suitable local temporary alternatives should redevelopment proceed.
At this stage, it is unlikely that any temporary relocation would be required until post-ANZAC Day 2027.
Town of Bassendean Mayor Kathryn Hamilton said the update reflects steady progress and a shared commitment to community benefit.
“We are proud to continue working alongside RSL WA on an opportunity that has the potential to deliver real benefits for veterans and the broader Bassendean community. Discussions remain ongoing, and any future development will be subject to appropriate planning processes and community engagement,” Mayor Hamilton said.
RSL WA CEO Stephen Barton said RSL WA appreciated the collaborative approach taken by the Town.
“Our focus remains on finding a sustainable, long-term solution that supports veterans, respects the local community and ensures a strong future for the Bassendean sub-branch. We value the Town’s continued cooperation as this work progresses and take this opportunity to thank the Town for their continued support, particularly in respect to funding annual RSL services and maintaining the Bassendean memorial to such a high standard,” Mr Barton said.
Both organisations emphasised that discussions are still ongoing and that no final decisions have been made. The community will be provided with updates as matters progress and before any statutory planning processes commence.
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