More jobs created in Wellard Village project

• Major employment boost as shopping precinct opens

• Transit-centred community now home to more than 3,500 people

A new shopping centre that will create at least 120 jobs is the latest milestone for the suburb of Wellard, an innovative State Government-private sector land development.

Opening the Wellard Square shopping centre in The Village at Wellard today, Housing Minister Bill Marmion said the community had cemented its reputation as a shining example of how public-private partnerships could deliver quality local communities and value for taxpayers.

Mr Marmion said Wellard was a living model for future developments.

"This new centre truly brings the heart of this community to life," he said. "Wellard is the sort of success I am proud to promote and keen to replicate.

"The master-planned combination of affordable housing opportunities, excellent transport and a wide range of facilities means a quality lifestyle for everyone's benefit."

The $25 million Wellard Square shopping centre is expected to deliver more than 120 new full-time, part-time, trainee and casual jobs into The Village.

"On top of this, another 900 housing lots will be sold over the next six years, sustaining hundreds of jobs in the residential construction sector," the Minister said.

Residents began moving into The Village in 2004, with the first school established by 2007. The following year the train station opened, making Wellard the first purpose-built, transit-centred development on the Mandurah Line.

The Village's land and home development has also contributed significantly to the Liberal National Government's Affordable Housing Strategy which aims for a minimum of 20,000 new affordable housing opportunities by 2020. 

"We are well on our way to meeting this target, with more than 17,000 affordable housing opportunities delivered already," Mr Marmion said.

      Fact File

• Construction of Wellard Square shopping centre has been funded by private investors

• The Village at Wellard is a joint venture between the Department of Housing and Peet Limited

• The project has won many awards, including being named WA's Best Residential Development over 250 lots by the Urban Development Institute

• 1,927 lots have sold since 2003, with a total of 2,850 due for sale by 2020

• The suburb of Wellard, in the City of Kwinana, was named after early settler John Wellard who in 1860 owned nearby Serpentine Farm

 Minister's office - 6552 6800