Government & NFP Housing Project Underway

Minister for Housing Richard Wynne with (from left) Cr Joy Banerji of the City of Monash, Margaret Taylor, Chairperson of Amaroo Neighbourhood House, (Minister), Sandra Grant, Chairperson Power Neighbourhood House and Father Peter Grasby Parish Priest of St Mary Magdelaine

Victorian Housing Minister Richard Wynne has turned the first sod to mark the start of works at the $140 million project which heralds the largest-ever social housing project partnership between the Brumby Government and the Not for Profit sector.

The Ashwood Chadstone Gateway housing development will create homes for up to 500 people and is expected to lead to more than 440 jobs during construction.

Not for Profit partner, the Port Phillip Housing Association says the project will be the largest and most challenging in PPHA’s history, creating more than 170 affordable rental units and 70 private dwellings.

PPHA's Chairperson, Brendan McIntyre says this is the first time in Victoria’s history that a registered housing association will take the lead in the development and delivery of a large-scale social housing and community regeneration project involving Director of Housing-owned land.

Minister Wynne says the project is part of the Brumby Government’s $510 million investment in public and social housing of which $300 million is being delivered through partnerships with the Not for Profit sector.

PPHA says winning the tender for this project is a powerful demonstration of government confidence in the sector to redevelop public housing estates and the project will also serve as a showcase for PPHA’s ability to take on large-scale development.The Victorian Government is investing $70 million towards the total $140 million project, while the Port Phillip Housing Association is contributing $70 million.

The organisation says it recognises the importance of the community in planning a socially sustainable and integrated housing development and has appointed a community engagement manager to be based at a local office in Ashwood to coordinate all activity with local and state government, stakeholders, the Community Liaison Committee and the Neighbourhood Renewal Team.

The Government describes the Ashwood Chadstone Gateway Project as model of integrated private and social housing with a mix of families, singles and elderly Victorians.

Above: Greg Ansen, project Architect with FMSA, Minister for Housing & Paul Yousseph, Victorian State Manager, St Hillers, the building contractors

The project will incorporate sustainable design features to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower living costs for residents and will include features such as solar hot water units, rainwater collection and storage, natural light and ventilation and 5-star energy efficient appliances.

The project is expected to be completed by late 2012.