New sustainable housing estate takes shape at Seville Grove

27/9/06
More than 100 new home sites are under construction in the first stage of an innovative new residential estate in Seville Grove.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said site works and earthworks had commenced at the 11ha estate located on the corner of Lake Road and Champion Drive.
"The next stage in the works program will be the installation of key services such as sewerage, drainage and roads," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The civil works should be completed in April next year."
The estate is positioned within the Armadale Redevelopment Authority (ARA) planning control area and is being developed by LandCorp.
The Minister said the development at Seville Grove would become a model of sustainability, featuring a total of 12 display homes demonstrating benchmarks for innovative design and construction techniques for housing.
"LandCorp called for expressions of interest in innovative building projects and products for the development earlier in the year and of 50 submissions, 20 have been selected to provide more detail on how they can contribute to the demonstration homes," she said.
"When completed, the development will highlight how, with careful planning and innovation, it is possible to provide affordable, innovative and sustainable housing in a superb setting."
This week, 55 mature grass trees from the site were relocated to the wetland area within the development.
Ms MacTiernan said the relocation of the grass trees demonstrated the effort being made to reduce the impact on the local environment during construction of the estate.
In a first for Western Australia, all homes in the development would be required to pass ARA's sustainability audit. Purchasers would be required to take measures to achieve a five-star energy rating, install rainwater tanks plumbed to washing machines and toilets, and plant at least 50 per cent native species in gardens.
The Minister said LandCorp was expected to release the first lots for sale in the estate by ballot in December, with preference to owner-occupiers who committed to building within two years.
"Another ballot planned for March, 2007 will be specifically targeted to first homebuyers to ensure they have the best chance possible to secure a lot in this competitive market," she said.
Minister's office - 9213 6400