The new unit complex in Coomea Street Bomaderry is a mix of social and affordable homes. Photo: NSW Government.
A collaborative approach to meeting the demand for affordable housing on the South Coast will result in more than 60 people moving into new homes.
A 39-unit complex recently completed in Bomaderry was built by Southern Cross Housing on land donated by Shoalhaven City Council with a contribution of $4.8 million funding from the NSW Government.
Southern Cross Housing will own and manage the complex of 25 new social homes and 14 affordable housing units.
A NSW Government spokesperson said the first residents had already moved in, with priority given to women over the age of 55.
The complex includes 10 studio apartments, 17 one-bedroom units, eight two-bedroom units, four three-bedroom units, a barbecue and play areas.
The site near Bomaderry train station was previously occupied by four derelict buildings.
According to Southern Cross Housing, the project had a long history which began with a number of stakeholders including the Property Council of Australia, Edmiston Jones Architects, Shoalhaven City Council, Southern Cross Housing and the Bomaderry community.
“Council owned three old properties which were being managed by Southern Cross Housing and an initial two-day workshop ‘hypothetically’ designed an appropriate project on the proposed site in consideration of all stakeholder input,” it says on its website.
A playground and outdoor area at the Bomaderry complex. Photo: NSW Government.
“The workshop was such a success it led to Shoalhaven City Council purchasing another two adjacent properties and gifting the whole development site to Southern Cross Housing.
“The gifting of the land coupled with some funding provided by the Department of Communities and Justice allowed Southern Cross to afford to finance the rest of the project cost.”
Southern Cross Housing CEO Alex Pontello said his organisation was exceptionally proud of the project and the partnership with council and Homes NSW.
“This project was conceived about six years ago by a small group of passionate people. Now it is completed, it will be life-changing for so many,” he said.
Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson thanked Southern Cross Housing and Shoalhaven City Council for their contribution to the project.
“Partnerships like this make a real difference for people who need a safe place to call home, right now,” she said.
“This development represents a major uplift in housing supply for the Shoalhaven, delivering nearly 40 new social and affordable homes in a region where demand continues to grow.
“Many of the new homes are going to women aged over 55, one of the fastest-growing groups of people at risk of homelessness and that’s exactly who we need to be supporting.”
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Patricia White said local government could play a significant role in helping to address the housing crisis.
“Providing land is one of the levers we can pull and I’m delighted this important step was taken and this project is now complete.”
