Construction has begun on a new $22m building project that will provide much needed affordable rental housing in Corrimal.
The Robert Street complex will comprise 34 quality new homes and be a mix of one and two-bedroom units and four-bedroom townhouses.
Local community housing provider Housing Trust will work with development partner Traders in Purple to deliver the project in late 2021. Housing Trust will take ownership of the majority of the development with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation retaining ownership of seven units that will be managed by Housing Trust.
Housing Trust CEO Michele Adair said that the project was one of the largest purchases made in the Housing Trust’s 37 year history.
“The Robert Street project is a major milestone for Housing Trust and one of our largest investments in our mission to provide a decent home for everyone,” she said.
“There’s no better way to recover from COVID-19 and the bushfire crisis than an investment in affordable rental housing. This is creating jobs, providing a boost to the local economy and it will change the lives of the people who call the properties home. It’s a win-win-win”.
Traders in Purple Director Charles Daoud said the project would boost the economy and create local jobs.
“Our aim is to employ subcontractors from the Illawarra and purchase materials from local businesses. During construction, the project will generate the equivalent of 60 direct full time positions and support another 100 indirect positions. This is a much needed project, built by the community, for the community,” he said.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said as communities begin to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, housing projects like this one provide much-needed jobs and income for the local construction industry and deliver new homes for those who need them most.
“It also demonstrates our smart approach to delivering new housing, transforming a vacant lot into contemporary new homes built to the highest standards and located close to employment and vital community services such as schools, hospitals and public transport.” she said.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the project is another example of collaboration between the NSW Government and non-government housing providers.“
