THE NSW state government is teaming up with St George Community Housing (SGCH) to deliver a new 15-residence apartment block to Potts Point.
The apartment block is part of the NSW government’s $1.1 billion Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF), conceived to lift housing pressures across the state.
“Partnering with non-government organisations to deliver social and affordable housing is the key to unlocking a range of services which allow people greater access to secure housing and at the same time helps them live more independently,” said Natasha Maclaren-Jones, minister for disability services and families and communities.
The 15 new dwellings will target those at risk of homelessness in Inner Sydney and will comprise five studio-apartments, eight one-bedrooms and two two-bedrooms.
“Too often it’s key workers who are driven further away from where they work and study and out of their communities because they struggle to afford private market rental on low to moderate incomes,” said Scott Langford, group CEO of SGCH.
The development is also well placed to offer future residents ease of access to transport and health services, as well as being within close proximity to shops.
“SGCH is proud to be working in partnership with the NSW Government, and others, to bring the capital and capability together to deliver more homes to meet the demand for social and affordable housing in Greater Sydney,” added Langford.
The building will target a 7.7 star rating under the he Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme and will also include a common area on its ground floor and a bike storage room.
“These new homes are energy efficient and will also help our customers by lowering energy bills and environmental impacts,” said Langford.
SGCH is set to include some of the dwellings in the block as part of its 561 property pipeline under the SAHF program.
The SAHF itself is one of the key initiatives of Future Directions of Social Housing in NSW and has already delivered 426 new homes and is on track for 3,486 homes across the state.
“We are not just building houses, we are working closely with residents to help them stay in their homes. Greater access to housing and supports pave the way for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to secure a brighter future,” concluded Maclaren-Jones.
