Works underway on $15m affordable housing development in Prospect
Construction has begun on a four-storey affordable housing block in Prospect said to be the largest project in the history of UnitingSA.
A concept design of the UnitingSA development in Prospect. Image: Uniting SA
The development, located on the corner of Gurr Street and Davenport Terrace, will offer 33 rental homes – including two high-needs specialist disability apartments – capped at 25 per cent of the tenant’s income or 75 per cent of market value.
Social services not-for-profit UnitingSA, which is funding the $15m development, said the affordable rentals would be supported by the sale of seven three-bedroom townhouses within the block.
The City of Prospect gave the project planning approval in December 2020. Demolition of six “outdated” properties on the corner site began last month.
The site on the corner of Gurr Street and Davenport Terrace. Photo: UnitingSA
According to UnitingSA, it is the largest housing project it has undertaken in its 103-year history.
The project is expected to be completed in mid-2024. A smoking ceremony marked the launch of the site on Monday afternoon.
“It will be a fresh new start for South Australian families, couples and singles who are on low incomes or receiving government income support, many of whom just can’t compete in today’s ultra-competitive rental market,” UnitingSA CEO Jenny Hall said in a statement.
“The inclusion of two, high needs specialist disability apartments will also provide vital accommodation to this vulnerable group who find sourcing appropriate housing almost impossible.
“It will give those residents more independence in a safe, purpose-built, community environment.”
UnitingSA’s community housing portfolio currently has 600 properties across metropolitan Adelaide.
Last month, a rental affordability report, produced by SGS Economics & Planning, National Shelter, Beyond Bank, and Brotherhood St Laurence, found all of South Australia is rated “severely” or “extremely” unaffordable for people who receive the federal government’s JobSeeker payment.
Adelaide was also the tightest capital city rental market in Australia throughout 2022 with a vacancy rate of just 0.4 per cent, according to property research firm CoreLogic.
The median rent in Adelaide reached $518 for the December quarter, up 12.9 per cent across 2022.
