New block of micro-units planned for older women
MELBOURNE: A new micro-unit development designed to provide affordable accommodation for women over the age of 45 has broken ground in St Marys.
State Families Minister Gareth Ward joined Wentworth chairman Ken Gilbert and Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler at Tuesday’s ceremony.
The project is a partnership between Wentworth Community Housing and the state government who has contributed a $3 million upfront capital grant under a Community Housing Assistance Agreement.
“We congratulate the state government for supporting this project and enabling us to develop housing for older women,” Wentworth chief executive Stephen McIntyre said.
“There are many single older women looking for smaller and more affordable homes in the Nepean region.”
Wentworth ran a tenant experience focus group last year to get feedback from older women about how the new complex could be best designed to meet their needs.
“We have looked at best practice and listened to our female tenants,” Mr McIntyre said.
“The units have been designed to enhance liveability and accessibility, and enable future residents to have more private open spaces.
“We believe it’s essential to have well-designed, affordable housing in places where people are close to shops, services, transport and quality public open spaces.”
The 16-unit development is scheduled for completion in mid-2020
