Social infrastructure in Northbridge receives a boost

3/10/07
The State Government is providing two development sites in the New Northbridge urban renewal project for organisations that deliver vital health care services and social housing to the community.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Women's Health Services would develop a custom-built women's health facility on Lot 370 Newcastle Street, while Foundation Housing would develop a lodging house for low-income earners on the neighbouring Lot 371 Newcastle Street.
"The State Government's vision for a more inclusive Northbridge community, where the needs of a diverse range of people are being supported, is on its way to being realised," Ms MacTiernan said.
"It is not only the provision of vital services that make these developments so important, but also their strategic location within the area's public transport system."
The Women's Health Care House (WHCH) and Foundation Housing developments are due for completion in 2010.
WHCH is being delivered via a tripartite partnership between the East Perth Redevelopment Authority (EPRA), the City of Perth and Women's Health Services (WHS).
EPRA has provided the site for the development, which will not only provide vital health care but will also provide a much-needed community meeting room available for use by the wider community.
EPRA has transferred the freehold interest of the site to the City of Perth at no cost, with the city to lease the site to WHS via a peppercorn agreement to develop the new women's health care house. WHS has also secured funding from Lotterywest to develop the health care facility.
City of Perth Lord Mayor Dr Peter Nattrass said the City of Perth was pleased to be able to partner with the State Government to deliver vital social infrastructure initiatives such as the WHCH.
"These developments are about adding to the social fabric of the area to create a Northbridge community where diversity is celebrated and everyone is welcome," Dr Nattrass said.
WHS provides health care to disadvantaged women through its in-house programs that include primary health clinical services, counselling, advocacy and education. The service also runs outreach programs to support women with mental health, alcohol or drug related issues.
Foundation Housing's neighbouring lodging house will deliver 50 rooms for people on low incomes as part of EPRA's Housing Affordability Policy, which states that 10-15 per cent of all new dwellings in the East Perth development area are set aside for affordable housing.
EPRA sold the site to the Department of Housing and Works (on behalf of Foundation Housing) at a constrained value of $1.4million in view of the development's social contribution.
Minister's office - 9213 6400