Media Releases

17 Dec 2009 - New Era for Affordable Housing in the City of Adelaide

Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for Housing
Hon Kate Ellis MP
Member for Adelaide
Hon Jennifer Rankine MP
Minister for Housing
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Joint News Release
NEW ERA FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE CITY OF
ADELAIDE
An environmentally-sustainable 15-storey housing block will be built in Waymouth
Street as part of a new Commonwealth and State Government project that will both
showcase the future of affordable housing in Adelaide and deliver more than 250
homes for South Australians.
A total of $46.5 million in Rudd Government funding will be spent to build 138
modern, affordable living units at 102 Waymouth Street over the next two years in
the first phase of the project.
Commonwealth Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek and State Housing Minister
Jennifer Rankine visited the site today, which will include 27 properties each for
social housing, affordable rental, low-income purchase, and market sale.
It will also include 30 units set aside for young Australians who are either homeless
or at risk of homelessness.
"The Rudd Government is pleased to support this exciting new development, which
will deliver affordable homes to renters and entry level homebuyers in the Adelaide
CBD," Ms Plibersek said.
"The Waymouth Street development is a great example of how economic stimulus is
supporting jobs in the construction industry during the global recession.
"It is also terrific that the Rudd Government's housing programs are supporting
innovative projects that deliver a mix of affordable rental properties and housing for
purchase in areas of high need."
State Housing Minister Jennifer Rankine said the apartments will be the latest in
urban design and sustainable living, with residents being close to public transport,
employment, services and facilities.
"The great thing about this project is there will be a range of affordable rental and
home ownership options for key workers and those professionals who are vital to
keeping our city running," she said.
"Importantly, this development will provide an opportunity for aspiring young home
purchasers who are currently priced out of the Adelaide apartment market."
Ms Rankine said revenue generated by home sales will be used to build more social
housing in coming years  with 81 homes to be started three months following
completion of the Waymouth Street project and another 40 to follow at a third site.
"The development will have a six-star energy rating and is another key building
block in the Government's housing transformation to develop a better life for South
Australians through more housing options," she said.
"This will be a multi-purpose building offering a series of housing options for a
diversity of people that include those wanting to buy, those looking for affordable
rental and more social housing in the city."
Designs and the appointment of contractors should be finalised early next year, with
construction starting shortly after that.
Media Contacts: Darrin Barnett (Minister Plibersek) 0428 119 703
Matt Clemow (Minister Rankine) 0417 887 824