Housing Choices Australia Annual Report 2024

QUEENS WALK, NEW TOWN HOBART TASMANIA

Nestled in the heart of New Town, the Queens Walk infill development is a testament to our commitment to providing secure, aordable housing that enhances community wellbeing. This exciting project extends an existing Housing Choices Tasmania managed complex. The original units have traditionally been allocated to those on the Tasmanian Housing Register. However, the expanded capacity will allow us to allocate to those requiring both social and aordable housing. Designed by Cumulus Studio, the project will feature two new buildings with 65 social and aordable apartments designed to meet Livable Housing Australia guidelines. The new buildings are comprised of 41 one-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom units, expanding the total dwellings from 85 to 150. The modern, fossil fuel free apartments are designed with flexibility in mind, featuring varied floor plans, wheelchair accessibility, and

a commitment to sustainability by achieving an impressive average NatHERS rating of over 7 stars. A cornerstone of our placemaking strategy is its comprehensive approach to enhancing community life for all Queens Walk residents. The development will include secure bike parking, enhanced recycling facilities, improved lighting, and access to outdoor and transport options. With resident input, the revitalised garden designed by Realm Studio will feature fruit trees, a greenhouse, native plants, and new

barbecue and seating areas to foster community interaction and activity.

Representing a significant investment of $33 million, this initiative is funded through a capital contribution from Housing Choices Australia, together with a grant and loan facility from Homes Tasmania. Construction commenced in April 2024 and is expected to be completed by October 2025. Once finished, this development will be the largest single community housing provider project in Tasmania.

REID AVENUE, FELIXSTOW SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Reid Avenue development in Felixstow showcases our commitment to enhancing social housing through strategic partnerships and eective asset management. The $6.6 million investment is a significant step forward in our eorts to provide quality, aordable housing in South Australia through successful collaboration with key partners.

In partnership with the South Australian Housing Trust (SAHT), the development comprises 14 dwellings, with six retained by Housing Choices South Australia (HCSA) and eight transferred to the SAHT. The transfer is part of the broader Renewing Our Streets and Suburbs (ROSAS) Transfer Program, which involved a total of 840 properties shifted from SAHT to HCSA. HCSA also partnered with SAHT to consolidate land parcels, with Cornerstone Housing investing the proceeds from the sale of several end-of-life properties, optimising the use of land and resources.

The Reid Avenue design incorporates “age in place” practices to provide long-term housing solutions that accommodate residents’ evolving needs. This approach is reflected in the functionality of the new townhouses, ensuring the development meet the needs of a diverse population.

Pictured (L to R): Housing Manager Celia Boyle, resident Robyn, and Development Manager Ruth Carpenter

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