NORTH Coogee is set to become home to a 38-dwelling development through a federal and state social housing injection.
Announced on Tuesday, it will include 12 one-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom dwellings, as well as two studio apartments, on Emplacement Parade.
Fremantle-based developer PARC have entered an “off-the-plan” contract with the Department of Communities to build the $23.54 million development.
At a press conference this week, federal member for Fremantle Josh Wilson said the development was part of “the biggest housing plan of any federal government” since World War II.
•PARC founder Pete Adams with federal MP Josh Wilson, housing minister John Carey and state MLA Simone McGurk. Photo supplied
“These 38 properties will mark a new chapter for people seeking an affordable, safe, and secure home,” Mr Wilson said.
“These new homes form part of the Albanese Government’s efforts to build 55,000 social and affordable homes Australia-wide and adds to the 80 new homes under construction in my electorate, in Treeby, White Gum Valley, and Fremantle, which are funded by the Albanese government.”
As of February this year, there are at least 21,480 people on the state’s social housing waitlist according to ShelterWA.
Completion of the development is expected in late 2026, when a Community Housing Provider will take over its management.
St Pat’s Community Support Centre CEO Michael Piu says the Fremantle-based homeless charity “welcomes” the development.
“We’re particularly pleased to see the federal and state government’s investment in a mix of one and two-bedroom homes, in recognition of the changing needs of people at risk of homelessness,” Mr Piu said.
“St Pat’s has seen first-hand how innovative, prefabricated construction methods and materials can greatly speed up the delivery of social housing.
“We look forward to the learnings from the innovative methodology to be employed by PARC Developments and how this might help accelerate construction times to deliver other much needed safe, secure housing for people experiencing homelessness.”
The announcement comes at a critical time, according to Mr Piu, who says St Pats is seeing an “increasing” number of families with children.
“Unfortunately, wait times for people to access social housing is about 149 weeks, or around 80 weeks on the priority waitlist.
“As such, our most pressing need is for more social and affordable housing which can provide safe, appropriate accommodation for families, in locations where they can have easy access to transport, schools, and facilities.
“Five years ago, it would be highly unusual to see children in this situation.”
by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER