A sod-turning ceremony has today marked the start of construction on a new $16 million social housing project to support vulnerable people living in Western Sydney.
The development will replace three ageing cottages at 14-18 Phillip Street, St Marys, with a modern five-storey building comprising 44 new homes.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) is partnering with construction company Growthbuilt to deliver the project that will deliver a timely boost for jobs and the NSW economy.
“This is another smart approach, with the NSW Government partnering with the private sector to deliver more keys in doors and build a community that supports vulnerable people in an area of high demand,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The importance of the 80 jobs estimated to be created by this project, and the boost it’ll give to construction trades and businesses at this time, cannot be understated.
“We’re not just building new houses – we’re creating great places to live that provide better support and care, for people in need.”
The new homes will be located near public transport and shops, provide landscaped communal areas and use on-site renewable energy to power common area lighting. The homes are also designed to accommodate tenants with some mobility challenges.
In July, the Sydney Western City Planning Panel approved the project’s development application, following an assessment by Penrith City Council. Construction is now underway and is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2021.
Growthbuilt Joint CEO and Director, Colin Rahim, said his team is excited and proud to be partnering with the LAHC and Penrith City Council to deliver the new homes.
“This landmark project will contribute to the renewal of the St Marys area. It is an honour to work alongside other community-focused specialists who, like Growthbuilt, only have the finest and most powerful expert teams,” he said.
“Growthbuilt aligns with clients and partners who share the same values and visions as we do and we look forward to delivering many more projects alongside the LAHC team that will grow and enhance our economy.”
Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler said the vision to bring this project to life should be commended, with collaboration between LAHC, architects McGregor Westlake and Growthbuilt, to deliver new homes and the best outcomes for the local community.
“The most recent census showed that more than 8,000, or 12 per cent, of households across our city were experiencing housing stress,” Cr Fowler said.
“Added to this, we know that in the past four years, the number of affordable rental properties for households on one income or lower combined incomes has declined.
“The development here in Phillip Street is another step in the right direction, not just for those in need of affordable housing, but for our whole community.”
Mrs Pavey said the NSW Government understood the significant role the construction sector played in supporting the State’s economic recovery from COVID-19, which was why other investments were underway, delivering multiple benefits.
LAHC is currently working on 46 housing renewal projects, in various stages of delivery, in Western Sydney, in the Local Government Areas of Blacktown, Cumberland, Penrith and the Hawkesbury.
“These 46 projects have the combined power and potential to deliver 542 social housing dwellings while creating an estimated 884 jobs and generating $199 million in construction and development activity,” she said.
“Of these 46 projects, nine are in the Penrith Local Government Area and will deliver around 94 new homes.
“When we back the NSW construction industry, we are not only backing vulnerable people by building these new and modern homes, we are also backing the other families, people and businesses who also rely on construction activity and investment for security, striving to do all we can, to overcome COVID-19.”