Uplifting design finally being applied to social housing projects
LOS ANGELES: Uplifting design is now finally being applied to many social and affordable housing projects.
A state social housing project in Basin Pocket will see more social houses come up for tenancy in Ipswich as work progresses on 41-unit housing block earmarked to help seniors downsize.
The Queensland Government-funded housing will aid seniors to downsize to more manageable housing, at the same time freeing up more houses once the seniors move.
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, “Plenty of Queenslanders are looking to downsize as they get older, which is where builds like this step in for our older social housing tenants.
“Not only does it give them a new place to call home that’s more manageable, it also frees up larger homes for families who might need more bedrooms and living space. Every Queenslander deserves a roof over their head.”
The 41 new homes are expected to be completed by next year, with the inclusion of a community room that will foster social interaction among tenants. Plans to form a social committee aim to create a sense of community and support within the housing complex.
The Basin Pocket project is part of a record $5 billion spend on social and affordable housing – the largest investment in Queensland’s history – to help deliver an extra 13,500 homes in the state.
Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard expressed her approval of the development, stating, “This development is greatly needed in Ipswich. For the residents that will soon call this place home, it’s close to public transport and nearby services, shops, and the CBD. It’s an investment in helping local people, and it’s great to see the Palaszczuk Government continue to partner with groups like Churches of Christ Housing Services to make it happen.”
The land on which the 41 homes are being built is owned by Churches of Christ Housing Services (CoCHS) and previously consisted of older dwellings at the end of their life cycle, including two houses and seven units.
These properties were used for social housing and, prior to demolition, all social housing tenants were relocated to other properties in the region, ‘ensuring a seamless transition for those affected’.
Construction of the new homes is also expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, supporting approximately 64 full-time equivalent jobs during the construction phase.
Gus Taddeo, General Manager of CoCHS says: “We are proud to continue to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver another project which will provide safe, secure, and affordable housing for the people of Ipswich.
“We’re really pleased to be getting this project underway. The new units will be a genuine asset in Ipswich for years to come.”