DISCUSSIONS between the Town of Bassendean and RSL WA over the future of a vacant Guildford Road site have progressed with redevelopment opportunities being explored.

Since mid-2025, the town and RSL WA have been in discussions about potentially amalgamating the town’s 179 Guildford Road site with the adjacent existing 10 Kenny Street RSL property.

The Guildford Road site has historically been leased to the sub-branch for informal outdoor use and contains no approved permanent structures.

An original three-year lease that began in 2022 expired in June 2025, but the town has effectively extended the lease at no ongoing cost to the sub-branch while long-term options are explored.

The proposal to amalgamate presents an opportunity for future redevelopment that could deliver veteran housing alongside new, purpose-built ground floor clubrooms for the Bassendean sub-branch.

In January 2026, RSL WA signed a letter of intent with the Town of Bassendean outlining key principles under consideration.

These include a proposal to sell the Guildford Road site to RSL WA at a reduced price, pending council approval.

They also include the town’s in-principle support for combining the two sites into a single development.

The town has also indicated support for advocacy for state and federal funding to assist with delivery of veteran housing.

RSL WA has undertaken due diligence and developed a business case, which is scheduled to be considered by its board in May.

A final decision is yet to come.

Bassendean mayor Kathryn Hamilton said the update reflected 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,” she said.

“Discussions remain ongoing, and any future development will be subject to appropriate planning processes and community engagement.”

RSL WA chief executive 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,” he said.

“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.”

If the proposal proceeds, the Town of Bassendean and RSL WA will continue working together to support delivery of veteran housing and new clubrooms.

This includes planning temporary accommodation options for the sub-branch during construction if required.

Any relocation is unlikely to be required until after ANZAC Day 2027.

The town said the community will be updated as matters progress and before any statutory planning processes commence.