SINGAPORE: New social housing designed to help the disabled and seniors stay connected to their community is under construction in Melville.
The 20-unit apartment complex, being built on busy Almondbury Road, is close to public transport and directly opposite Westfield Booragoon.
It will include one and two-bedroom apartments specifically for seniors on low to moderate incomes, which will be built to a Silver Liveable design standard to ensure they are accessible and adaptable for ageing populations.
Bateman MP Kim Giddens, who recently visited the worksite with WA Housing Minister John Carey, told PerthNow she was glad to see housing developed to meet community needs.
“I regularly hear from seniors who want to stay in the communities they’ve built their lives in, close to family, friends and the services they rely on,” she said.
“That’s why these 20 new social homes for seniors in Ardross are so important. With Garden City, the Murdoch health precinct and public transport all within easy reach, it’s a location that makes everyday life easier for older people.
“The age-friendly design features included in this development will help residents live safely and comfortably.”
The WA and Federal governments worked together to develop the project, which forms part of an $11.9 million boost to social housing in Perth’s inner south.
The State Government’s call for submissions initiative procured Federal Government funding through the social housing accelerator payment scheme. The initiative allows the government to work with builders and speed up the process for delivering homes across WA.
“The Cook Labor Government is investing nearly $11 billion in housing since 2021-22. This is helping deliver more social housing in established communities like Ardross, where seniors can remain close to the people and places that matter most,” Ms Giddens said.
Social housing is government-subsidised rental housing for individuals with a lower income. Rent is often capped at an income percentage rather than market rates.
The apartments were designed by Klopper & Davis Architects, and the build is being managed by Cottesloe-based company Spinnaker Developments.