Western Sydney is benefitting from a boost in jobs and the local economy, with construction underway on a $6.13m million social housing project in Auburn to provide homes for vulnerable older community members.
Around 29 full-time equivalent jobs will be supported during the construction of 18 new homes on Cumberland Road, located near local shops and transport links.
The modern, fit-for-purpose homes have been designed to the highest standards and will deliver immediate economic benefits to the community while providing safe and comfortable housing for vulnerable local residents over the age of 55.
The Auburn project demonstrates the smart approach the NSW Land and Housing Corporation ( LAHC ) is taking to grow NSW's housing portfolio, by replacing ageing dwellings with well-designed homes that support the needs of local people.
Western Sydney-based building company Tradelink Construction was awarded the contract to redevelop the site. Tradelink director Mark Zeaiter said the project was creating opportunities for local building subcontractors and tradespeople, including Aboriginal and Torres Islander workers and apprentices who are learning on-the-job.
"This project has been another great opportunity for Tradelink Construction and its team to work in collaboration with LAHC and its partners, and is helping create many job opportunities for the local community," Mr Zeaiter said.
The project, which encompasses 10 two-bedroom units and eight one-bedroom units along with 15 car parking spaces, has been architecturally designed to enhance the local streetscape. It is set for completion in March 2021, with residents to move in, in April 2021.
Quality social housing for older people is a priority for the LAHC, which has delivered 112 senior housing homes since April 2019. An additional 14 projects are currently under contract to deliver 207 new senior housing homes in the future.
The development is part of the NSW Government’s Future Directions for Social Housing in NSW – a plan to drive better outcomes for tenants by providing more and better social housing.