Making tracks for connected, affordable homes

Friday, 2 September 2016

• Developers to prepare detailed plans for five sites located along key public transport corridors
• At least 500 affordable apartments within walking distance of train stations to be delivered 

A major milestone in the Liberal National Government's Connected Living initiative has been achieved, with private sector respondents to prepare detailed proposals for five Connected Living sites.

Housing Minister Brendon Grylls said Connected Living, announced in December 2015, would deliver transport-aligned developments and create about 500 affordable apartments under the Affordable Housing Strategy 2010-2020: Opening Doors to Affordable Housing.

"The Housing Authority is advancing the Connected Living procurement process for sites located in Butler, East Perth, Gosnells, Midland and Perth," Mr Grylls said.

"Proposals for development must meet the Connected Living objectives of affordability, diversity, design quality and innovation in order to proceed.

"This initiative will make better use of existing rail infrastructure while helping to transform the Perth housing market through the delivery of more affordable developments around activity centres."

One preferred respondent will proceed for each of the Butler, East Perth, Gosnells and Perth sites. Two respondents have been shortlisted for the Midland site.

The Minister said Connected Living had been well received by industry and he expected to announce development partners for the first sites in early 2017, subject to acceptable detailed proposals and successful contract negotiations.

"Connected Living marks the first time the State Government has engaged in a transport-aligned initiative of this scale," he said.

"Working with the private sector is an excellent way to efficiently deliver affordable housing and shared equity home ownership options for low to moderate income households.

"Connected Living will pave the way for future infill and transit-oriented living in Perth.  Our vision is to transform the housing market through the delivery of well-located housing around key transit precincts and activity centres."

Fact File

• The Housing Authority is proceeding with sites which total about 23,234sqm of land and are collectively worth about $16.25 million
• The innovative delivery of units across the sites is encouraged through alternative construction materials, housing design and funding structures
• Connected Living has the capacity to deliver about 500 studio; one, two and three-bedroom apartments
• For more information, visit http://www.housing.wa.gov.au/investorsandpartners/connectedliving/Pages/default.aspx