Single men’s hostel Yanget House on Victoria Street was demolished on Sunday to make way for a new development by the Department of Housing. The new building will contain crisis or low-rent accommodation.

Bunbury Housing Association managed the property until it was relinquished to the department in February this year.

Association executive housing officer Renate Dehaan said it was overdue for the building to be re-designed, as the old building was in a state of disrepair.

The dilapidated house was located towards the Marlston Hill end of Victoria Street, and had received some complaints from residents.

The loss of Yanget House will be felt by Bunbury’s homeless population - without Yanget’s 18 single units, tenancies in the area are reduced to 55.

Ms Dehaan said they were able to provide housing for all the existing tenants of Yanget House. However their capacity to take on new tenants would be decreased.

"New people coming through now will have to go on our waiting list. We have a waiting list of over 200 people," she said.

"Our mandate is to provide long-term secure affordable housing.”

Yanget H"use was one of a few shelters in the area catering specifically to men, providing accommodation, power and laundry services for less than $100 per week.

It has been a first step back to secure accommodation for many men in the South West.

Ms Dehaan said the association hoped they would be able to re-lease the building.

Management of the new premises is expected to be called to tender early next year with the new premise’s open in July 2011.