Construction begins on $85 million of affordable housing in Eastwood – realestate.com.au

Construction has begun on an $85 million housing development that will provide 151 apartments just outside Adelaide’s CBD.

Wirra Mikangka in Eastwood will comprise two buildings, one nine storeys and the other five storeys, with shared spaces and gardens for residents overlooking Adelaide’s south-eastern parks.

The ground floor will be intended for retail and catering space.

Of the 151 energy-efficient apartments across the two buildings, 121 will be offered to low- and middle-income earners, including those on the SA Single Housing Register.

The remaining 30 are available at market rent.

It is one of the largest integrated build-to-rent developments under construction in South Africa, adding more affordable equity to a tight rental market that is quickly becoming too expensive for many.

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Community housing provider Housing Choices SA is building Wirra Mikangka, which is Kaurna for “for the forest” and was developed with Kaurna representatives.

It is expected that the residents will be able to move in at the end of next year.

Mark Hayward, executive group director of Housing Choices Australia, said the development, the first in South Africa, meets an urgent need for affordable housing close to the city.

“It is essential that we build good quality housing close to the city, support low-to-moderate income people to access stable homes close to jobs, services and living opportunities, and help create strong, diverse communities,” he said.

“This project has been made possible through the collaboration, support and contributions of our partners, with funding from SA Housing Trust and Housing Australia to complement our own investment.”

Housing Minister Nick Champion said it was an exciting development for the state.

“With so many rental apartments – most of which are affordable and close to the CBD – this will help improve housing affordability and provide high-quality, safe housing for some of our most vulnerable families,” he said.

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The development includes shared spaces and gardens for residents. Image: render included.

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The South Australian Housing Trust Capital Grant, social and affordable housing grants and debt financing from Housing Australia’s National Housing Infrastructure Facility, the Social Housing Accelerator Payment and equity investments from Housing Choices SA helped fund the project.

The partnership will ensure the development can provide high-quality and sustainable homes for South Australians with access to public transport, schools, hospitals and other essential services.

SA builder Hindmarsh Construction Australia will deliver the development, which has been designed by Adelaide firm JPE with specialist architect Hill Thalis.