Today UnitingSA launched a $15 million, four-storey affordable housing development in Prospect as it continues to build its community housing portfolio in answer to SA’s housing crisis.
The Prospect housing development is the largest housing project UnitingSA has ever undertaken in its 103 year history, and will include a mix of affordable and social housing, along with Specialist Disability Accommodation apartments.
UnitingSA marked the commencement of works today, along with Minister for Human Services Nat Cook, with a smoking ceremony to cleanse the site and welcome its new purpose.
Uncle Mickey O’Brien cleansing the site with a smoking ceremony
UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall said the 40 unit project will provide much-needed homes for South Australians facing housing insecurity due to the state’s ongoing rental shortage.
“Instead of the six outdated properties that were on the land, the new development will provide more than 30 new affordable rental homes for people who really need them, with rent capped at 75 per cent of market value or 25 per cent of a tenant’s income,” Ms Hall said.
“It will be a fresh new start for South Australian families, couples and singles who are on low incomes or receiving government income support, many of whom just can’t compete in today’s ultra-competitive rental market.
UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall with Minister for Human Services Nat Cook
“The inclusion of two, high needs specialist disability apartments will also provide vital accommodation to this vulnerable group who find sourcing appropriate housing almost impossible. It will give those residents more independence in a safe, purpose-built, community environment.”
Seven three-bedroom townhouses included in the project will be sold privately to help fund the development, which is expected to be completed by mid-2024.
The Prospect project is the latest in a string of affordable housing developments by UnitingSA, including an award-winning community of eight two-bedroom dwellings in the western suburbs completed in 2022 to provide safe, affordable accommodation for women aged 55 and over experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
UnitingSA Board Chair Gael Fraser
The $2.6 million project won two UDIA Awards – SA’s Small Scale Development Award and the Aged Care & Community Housing Award.
A further small development of five, three-bedroom townhouses is currently under construction in Kidman Park and is expected to be completed in mid-2023 along with a number of other significant projects entering major planning phases.
Ms Hall said the new Prospect project would be solely funded by UnitingSA.
“While we’ve fully funded this project, we look forward to the opportunity to source more funding for our future projects through the National Housing Accord and the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund so more South Australians can have a secure roof over their heads.”
Commencement of works at UnitingSA’s Prospect development was marked today
The development forms part of UnitingSA’s Community Housing portfolio which incorporates 600 properties spread right across the metropolitan area, as well as in a small number of regional centres.