Redevelopment

Cat Haven was established at the Lemnos Street site in 1969 with many of the current buildings constructed between then and 1983. They were constructed at a time when the management of stray cats was very different and certainly did not contemplate the requirements of the Cat Act nor the community services we provide such as emergency boarding.

Despite the introduction of the Cat Act in 2013, demand for services continues to increase particularly considering recent cost of living challenges and smaller cat rescue groups struggling and deferring their intakes to Cat Haven. As a not-for-profit with very little government funding (2-3%), Cat Haven relies heavily on public donations to support its operations.

Cat Haven currently takes in over 7,500 cats per annum with an annual growth rate of circa 5%. As a place of last resort, Cat Haven never refuses to take in a cat and as such, we can expect continued growth for the foreseeable future. This is compounded by other struggling cat welfare groups who are increasingly turning to Cat Haven to assist.

Annually, the existing clinic handles over 21,000 cat consultations and procedures however currently must send out over 1,000 cats to external clinics for various procedures including for basic treatments. This comes at a cost premium and results in lost time for our staff as well as increasing the length of stay for the cats in our care and leading to raised stress.

Investigations Begin

In late 2023 investigations commenced to look at the future needs of cat welfare in Western Australia and the pivotal role Cat Haven plays as the premier shelter along with providing Cat Management Facility services to over a dozen local governments.

Cat Haven has considered several options to improve the working conditions on, and the efficiency of, the site ranging from minor capital works to a full site rebuild. Some minor works have been completed since 2019, with the last major capital works prior being completed in 1983. Seven options were considered with the preferred option being a staged redevelopment of the site.

• Stage 1 would see the replacement of the existing Cottage with a dual level cat hospital, administration, and training facility. Refurbishment the existing Clinic and sort/intake areas would deliver expanded Foster and Volunteer amenities, respectively.
• Stage 2 would replace existing Boarding and ringworm with a tri-level cat accommodation facility comprising expanded numbers of condos, utilities, and an enlarged boarding and emergency boarding space including outdoor areas.
• Stage 3 would see the demolition of the sheds as well as existing utilities and clinic structures to make way for two new buildings being a dedicated quarantine facility and dual level foster, storage, and additional cat accommodation.

A key outcome for Stage 1 is the consolidation of cat intake, sort, and clinical functions to improve site workflows and efficiency along with the expansion of clinical services to minimise outsourcing for procedures such as imaging (Xray, ultrasound) and diagnostics. Aside from the high cost of these services, the time taken to obtain directly impacts the cat’s welfare.

Objectives

The five key objectives of the Redevelopment are:

1. Enhanced Animal Care: A modern, well-designed facility will allow us to provide a higher level of medical care, including surgeries, diagnostics, and medical treatments, ensuring the health and well-being of our cats.
2. Improved Worker Safety, Welfare and Productivity: A new facility will provide the necessary space and resources for our veterinary and administrative staff to work efficiently, reducing stress and improving overall productivity. It will also remove existing high risk building materials.
3. Reduced Operational Costs: A new facility with modern infrastructure will lead to reduced ongoing maintenance costs and energy efficiency, enabling us to allocate more resources to the care of the cats.
4. Enhanced Community Engagement: An updated and inviting administration area will support our community outreach efforts, enabling us to better engage with volunteers, donors, and potential adopters.
5. Regulatory Compliance: A new facility will meet and exceed all relevant regulations, ensuring that Cat Haven remains in compliance with the law and reduces the risk of potential legal issues.

Strategic Importance

In 2021 Cat Haven prepared a strategic plan to guide its medium-term corporate strategy which was premised on three key pillars: organisational sustainability, technology infrastructure, and community and stakeholder engagement. The Redevelopment aligns with the pillars and objectives of the plan as summarised below.

Strategic Pillar	Strategic Objective	Project Alignment
Organisational Sustainability	Having a sustainable organisational structure to ensure Cat Haven can continue to provide essential cat welfare services to the WA Community with adequate staffing support and a structure that promotes collaboration and communication within the organisation.	Provision of additional amenities for volunteers and staff to improve working conditions and volunteer experience. Collocation of staff within open plan office to foster collaboration across departments.
Organisational Sustainability	Developing a long-term financial plan including a donor and capital fundraising strategy to allow for Cat Haven to undertake services to focus on prevention work as well as day to day cat welfare work.	Modern clinic facilities to reduce outsourcing of veterinary work will reduce costs allowing savings to be redirected to other services.
Technology Infrastructure	Improving our IT infrastructure to drive opportunities for greater efficiencies and modernise the way we do business. Continuing to create strong foundations to stabilise and streamline systems.	Implementation of new clinic management systems to reduce paperwork and manual data entry while improving productivity and shelter throughput.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement	Advocating and lobbying key government agencies and politicians to ensure cat welfare related legislation is drafted and implemented practically and with an evidence-based approach. Cat Haven is well placed to be the voice for cat owners and all cats in WA.	Expanded capacity to service greater number of local governments as their cat management facility under the Act. Additional vocational support to education institutions who utilise Cat Haven for student learning opportunities.

 

In addition to our own strategic alignment, the project aligns with several Government strategies including:

• WA Feral Cat Strategy 2023-2028

Complimentary to reducing consequential environmental impacts from cats by providing additional capacity to assist local government dealing with cats in their jurisdictions.

• WA State Training Plan 2023-2024

Supporting tertiary and vocational training in modern, specialist facilities with access to contemporary learning experiences.

• WA Volunteering Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2026

Alignment with three focus areas by creating additional volunteering opportunities, training and upskilling for employability at Cat Haven or within the community, and improving volunteer management, support and facilities.

• Australian Animal Welfare Strategy

Cat Haven’s outcomes are best-in-State when compared to local government welfare outcomes by achieving better live release rates.

Current Status

Early planning commenced in November 2023 with the engagement of the specialist designer in April 2024. An overall site masterplan has been completed along with Stage 1 design sufficient to support the submission of a development application in October.

Construction is not funded, and a project of this magnitude would not be possible by Cat Haven alone due to competing resource demands for our ever-growing essential community and animal welfare services. A substantial investment in partnership with the State will be necessary to bring to life our collective vision for cat welfare and to support the State delivering the Cat Act’s objectives. A business case has been submitted to the State and we continue to engage to highlight the wider benefits beyond animal welfare outcomes, but also community wellbeing, environmental, and training. Cat Haven annually saves the WA community more than $3.4 million of animal welfare management costs and a further $2.6 million in mitigated environmental costs due to strays otherwise remaining on the streets.

The estimated cost of Stage 1 including fit-out and temporary works to facilitate is circa $9-$11 million with the full site redevelopment likely to cost $30 million. In addition to the State, we are looking at additional funding opportunities through the Commonwealth, Lotterywest, and private benefactors.

Whilst we await planning approval, detailed design is progressing with the aim to have Stage 1 ‘shovel ready’ for early 2025. We in negotiation with other stakeholders to secure temporary land to support the relocation of certain functions during the building.

How can I help?

This is a considerable project and as an organisation that relies nearly entirely on community goodwill and that is heavily reliant on bequests, we cannot fund this alone. If you would like to learn more about this exciting project and to help the future of cat welfare in Western Australia, please contact our Board of Management Chair, Robin Orton (chair@cathaven.com.au). We will be more than happy to show you our current site, the challenges, and how your contribution will be able to assist.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (please make this ‘roll up’ similar to FAQ – Cat Haven)

1. What is proposed?

A staged rebuild with the consolidation and collocation of functions will improve workflows across the site whilst expanding useable area by building up. Stage 1 will see the demolition of the existing ‘cottage’ (admin, foster) with a double storey building in its place comprising sort/intake, clinic, office, and training facilities. Upon completion, the former clinic building will be refurbished for our foster operations and the former sort/intake area will be refurbished as dedicated volunteer amenities.

 

Stage 2 will be the consolidation and rebuild of cat accommodation facilities for holding, adoptions and boarding. Stage 3 will see the removal of all remaining buildings/structures and replacement with the balance of facilities (quarantine, foster, utilities, store, maintenance). Subject to funding, options will be considered for a separate redevelopment of the existing reception/retail building and carpark.

 

2. What options have been considered?

Seven options were reviewed with six deemed unviable. Refurbishing or extending our facilities would not materially change underlying issues. Equally, doing nothing would just defer issues. Changing our business model to outsource clinical services would result in a loss of control, clinical cost increases, and potential reduction of service. Relocating our operations to an alternate site would allow for a bespoke build however previous investigations have not identified suitable land like our current site.

 

The last option is to rebuild on the existing site. A full demolition and rebuild would require relocation to a temporary facility to maintain operations with considerable setup costs. A staged rebuild would allow for continued operations, albeit with manageable disruption. The staged option would see smaller packages of work undertaken and, whilst taking overall longer to deliver, would likely be more palatable to funding stakeholders.

 

3. Why now?

Capacity Planning: Addressing infrastructure needs now allows us to proactively prepare for potential increases in cat intake volumes. By expanding capacity and improving facilities ahead of anticipated changes in the Cat Act, we can better accommodate the needs of a larger cat population without compromising on care standards or overcrowding.

 

Operational Efficiency: Upgrading facilities now improves operational efficiency and effectiveness, enabling us to handle higher intake volumes more seamlessly. This will help facilitate smoother operations, reduce stress on staff and volunteers, and ensure optimal care for all cats.

 

Compliance with Regulations: Anticipated changes to the Cat Act may introduce new requirements or standards for animal welfare organisations. By undertaking the project now, we can proactively ensure compliance with future regulations, avoiding potential penalties or legal challenges associated with non-compliance. It also ensures we remain able to respond if smaller welfare organisations cannot.

 

Financial Considerations: Delaying the project may result in increased costs in the long run. As cat intake volumes rise, we may face greater strain on existing facilities, leading to higher maintenance expenses, increased operational costs (particularly via outsourcing), and potential emergency repairs.

 

Animal Welfare: Every day that Cat Haven operates with inadequate facilities, cats may suffer due to overcrowding or substandard living conditions. Acting promptly to improve facilities means providing a better quality of life for cats in need, minimising their suffering, and maximising their chances of adoption.

 

4. What are the benefits of the redevelopment?

Improved Animal Welfare: Upgrading facilities will provide better conditions for the cats, including better ventilation, temperature control, and space, leading to enhanced physical and mental well-being.

 

Enhanced Health and Safety: Modernised facilities will improve infection control, reducing the risk of diseases among the cats and workers. This also ensures a safer environment for visitors.

 

Increased Adoption Rates: With improved facilities and a more welcoming environment, potential adopters are more likely to visit Cat Haven and consider adopting. This can lead to higher adoption rates and reduced overcrowding.

 

Better Working Conditions: Upgraded facilities will improve the working environment for our workers, fostering improved morale and productivity. This includes ergonomic workspaces, improved lighting, dedicated volunteer amenities, and better-equipped medical facilities.

 

Community Engagement: A new Cat Haven will serve as a hub for community engagement, hosting events, workshops, and educational programs. This will foster a sense of community involvement and support for cat welfare initiatives including responsible pet ownership.

 

5. How does this align with our Strategic Plan?

Our current Strategic Plan is premised around three pillars: organisational sustainability, technology infrastructure, and community and stakeholder engagement. New facilities will ensure Cat Haven can become more efficient with better resource allocation, increased capability, and capacity for care. The integration of new technology will ensure we can deliver the best care to our cats, improve site productivity, and reduce length of stay. Expanded capacity will ensure we can support more local government’s meet their requirements under the Cat Act and increase opportunities to host educators and their students to support the next generation.

 

6. What happened to the Lotterywest grant awarded in 2022 for a transportable building?

Cat Haven submitted, and received, development approval in 2023 for a transportable building that was to be installed adjacent the cottage. The project encountered an unforeseen technical issue which would have resulted in a budget blowout requiring considerable additional funding by Cat Haven in addition to the grant. The Board decided to cancel the project as it did not represent good value for money. Lotterywest approved the repurposing of the grant for planning and design of Stage 1 of the redevelopment.

 

7. How will the site be impacted during the build and how will this impact the cats?

We will seek to minimise impact to operations during construction. Access around the site will change to facilitate safe access with fencing and signage. There will be temporary facilities in place to allow certain functions to continue operating. The builder will seek to limit noise and vibration as best possible. Calming music and Feliway diffusers will be maintained in the cat accommodation areas.

 

8. Will the site be accessible to people of all abilities?

Yes, the new buildings will be compliant with current access requirements including lifts.

 

9. What is the cost?

The full site redevelopment is likely to cost in excess of $30m based on a recent similar development undertaken by RSCPA South Australia, however, will be subject to the final scope and when construction is anticipated to be undertaken. The Stage 1 development is likely to cost around $9-$11m, including full fit out and temporary works to support the build.

 

10. What is the cost benefit?

Cat Haven delivers an essential community service to the Western Australian community particularly as a place of last resort. Our ongoing operations not only save local government rate payers around $3.4m of direct cat management costs annually, we also conservatively save environmental damages of around $2.6m by removing stray and unwarranted cats from the streets. By 2034 these savings are anticipated to rise to $5m and $4m, respectively, in today’s terms.

 

Despite saving the Western Australian community annual direct costs of over $3m, our annual Stage Government grant under the Companion Animal Shelter Program is $150,000.

 

Benefit cost ration modelling for the full redevelopment over a 20 year horizon shows a BCR of circa 3.8.

 

11. Who is funding the redevelopment?

Cat Haven is liaising with potential funding stakeholders including the State Government, Lotterywest and private entities. Cat Haven will contribute some funds toward the redevelopment.

 

12. Why can’t this be funded entirely by Cat Haven?

Cat Haven runs at a considerable operating loss every year and must rely nearly entirely on community goodwill. Whilst bequests do provide a welcome source of revenue, they are unpredictable and cannot be quarantined for capital expenditure purposes such as this redevelopment. Cat Haven is attempting to diversify revenue streams through initiatives such as the Op Shop and is undertaking a holistic review of the Cat Management Facility program.

 

13. I do not agree with spending on infrastructure when this money could go directly toward the cats. Why can’t this be done?

Cost-Efficiency: While direct spending on cat welfare is crucial, neglecting infrastructure can result in higher operational costs over time due to inefficiencies, maintenance issues, and potential liabilities. By addressing infrastructure needs now, we can reduce long-term expenses and allocate more resources to the cats in the future.

 

Impact on Animal Welfare: Improved infrastructure creates a healthier and more comfortable environment for the cats, which can lead to reduced medical expenses, improved adoption rates, and overall better welfare outcomes for the cats.

 

Impact on Worker Welfare: Modern facilities will ensure we can create a collaborative and more efficiently run the organisation. Worker retention (both staff and volunteers) will be improved by providing a comfortable workplace where all workers feel valued and can perform at their best. New facilities will remove legacy hazards and potential liabilities.

 

Donor Stewardship: Investing in infrastructure not only benefits the cats but also enhances the ability to fulfill our mission and serve the community. Prudent and responsible financial management to date has positioned us to be able to invest in our future and minimise future exposure.

 

Long-Term Vision: Investing in our infrastructure is part of a comprehensive strategy to build a sustainable and resilient Cat Haven that can continue to provide high-quality care for the cats for years to come. The redevelopment lays the foundation for future growth and success.

 

Community Impact: A modernised shelter will attract more visitors, volunteers, and support from the community, leading to increased awareness, engagement, and collaboration on cat welfare issues. Our enhanced capacity will ensure we can support the Western Australian community more comprehensively.

 

Balancing Priorities: We are committed to finding a balance between immediate needs and long-term investments, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to maximise impact for both the cats and the community.

 

14. What consultation has happened and how can I get involved?

Consultation commenced with key staff in late 2023 to ensure functional requirements and building workflows were understood. A designer has been engaged to provide specialist technical input and to further develop the design suitable for development approval.

 

As the project develops, there will be opportunities for the community to contribute to ways that Cat Haven can celebrate its history.

 

15. I am concerned Cat Haven’s identity and the ‘feel’ may change because of the redevelopment, what are you doing to preserve this?

Mission Alignment: Our core mission and values remain unchanged. The redevelopment is aimed at better fulfilling this mission by improving the facilities and services provided to the cats.

 

Continued Commitment: We dedicated to our primary objective of rescuing cats from the perils of the streets. The redevelopment is intended to enhance our ability to fulfill this commitment, rather than detract from it.

 

Animal-Centric Approach: Every decision regarding the redevelopment is being made with the cats’ best interests in mind. This includes considerations such as providing comfortable living spaces, enriching environments, and high-quality veterinary care.

 

Maintaining Core Values: Our core values, such as integrity, respect, kindness, and ongoing improvement, will continue to guide all aspects of our operations, even amidst changes brought about by the redevelopment.

 

Open Communication: We will maintain open lines of communication throughout the redevelopment process to address any concerns or questions that arise. This will be undertaken through regular project updates and forums to allow our members and the wider community the opportunity to understand the project and its benefits in more detail.