April 2008

Ashwood Gateway Project boon to social housing

At least 100 new social housing units will be built on six sites in Ashwood as part of an $80 million housing redevelopment in the Ashburton, Ashwood and Chadstone Neighbourhood Renewal area.

Housing Minister Richard Wynne said the sites had the potential to provide a mix of around 200 new social and private housing units where once there were 36.

The Ashwood Gateway Project will be a Housing Association venture, funded from the $300 million allocated to the Strategy for Growth in Housing for Low Income Victorians.

Housing associations selected will be required to provide at least 25 per cent of total project costs with the rest to be provided by the Government.

The partnership will increase the number of units constructed in comparison to the number possible if the Government alone were to fully fund the redevelopment.

‘We are passionate about improving social housing in this area and about providing a roof over the heads of more people,’ Mr Wynne said.

‘The Gateway Project is a major boost for the area located near the Holmesglen TAFE and with access to train and bus transport services to the Melbourne CBD and the Chadstone shopping centre.

‘The key objectives will be to provide more social housing of high quality, a better blend of social and private homes and an inclusive new community.’

Mr Wynne also announced the members of a Community Liaison Committee comprising local tenants, community and City of Monash representatives to be chaired by Bob Stensholt MP.

The committee will work with the Department of Human Services, residents, police and schools to ensure the redevelopment addresses the needs of the local community.

Proposals from housing associations for the redevelopment are expected to close by the middle of the year.