Housing Trust and partners have broken ground at their innovative mixed tenure development “Northsea” in an iconic Wollongong location.
NSW Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts joined NSW Land and Housing Corporation CEO Deborah Brill, development partner Traders in Purple Executive Directors Charles Daoud and George Geagea and Housing Trust CEO Michele Adair to turn the first sod prior to earthworks starting on 15th June.
Dr Jodie Edward, delivered a moving Welcome to Country along with Layne Brown who conducted a smoking ceremony for the 60 guests who gathered to celebrate the project milestone.
This is Housing Trust’s second collaboration with Traders in Purple and NSW Land and Housing Corporation. The $65 million complex is one of the first single core mixed developments comprising of social, affordable and market sales in the State. Housing Trust has purchased nine of the units which will provide affordable key worker housing and will manage the 18 social housing units on behalf of LaHC. 8 of the social units will incorporate dual key access allowing flexibility for residents. The remaining 38 premium units include a mix of two and three-bedroom private apartments.
Housing Trust CEO Michele Adair said “This mixed-tenure approach follows international best practice and innovation in housing, and this is an exemplar project we are proud to be part of”.
“This is a genuine attempt at having a mixed demographic where a real sense of community can be built between those tenants and private purchasers of apartments.
“So, kids living here will be immersed in the broader community and enjoy the same aspirations and education as everyone else, and that’s particularly important at a time when we have both a prime minister and a governor-general who both grew up in social housing.”
Located in the centre of Wollongong CBD the complex is within short walking distance of local services, facilities, shops, cafes, restaurants, parks and Wollongong Beach.
The project is a win-win for the local community and will give a much needed to boost to local businesses including subcontractors and trades. The project will also create the equivalent of 100 full-time jobs.
The project is due for completion late 2023.
