Narang apartment block in Balga to be demolished

27/2/99
The Narang apartment block in Balga will be demolished as part the State Government's New Living Program.
Housing Minister Dr Kim Hames said today the decision had been made after community requests to get rid of the building, which is sited at the corner of Beach and Wanneroo Roads.
"In addition the Stirling City Council has recommended the rezoning of land at the corner of Camberwell and Wanneroo Roads in Balga allowing for new seniors' accommodation to go ahead," Dr Hames said.
"The acquisition and rezoning of this land allows Homeswest to enter into a joint venture with the Australian Pensioners' League to develop much-needed resident-funded accommodation in the area."
All of the three-storey Homeswest complexes in Balga will now be demolished, involving razing 292 apartments and seven townhouses.
Demolition is due to begin in Balga in April this year.
Dr Hames said the Balga demolitions were a vital part of the State Government's New North New Living projects.
New Living is the largest urban renewal program ever undertaken in Western Australia.
"The success of New Living depends on community consultation and support. The decision to demolish Narang was taken after sound representation to Government by the Balga Action Group whose members were willing to help make this option viable," Dr Hames said.
Balga Action Group president Colin Cross said the group wished to acknowledge Homeswest staff including CEO Greg Joyce, New Living manger Cec Stapleton and New Living project manager Bill Bowker.
"We understand the difficult and delicate path they have had to walk. There is often a fine line between meeting community needs and justifying the expenditure of public funds," Mr Cross said.
He said the Balga Action Group members had grown as an organisation and as a community during the negotiations.
"We have had to learn to approach issues on a factual basis and not just an emotional one. We have learned to be active not reactive," he said
Mr Cross said the organisation was grateful for the co-operation and assistance of the mayor, the councillors and the staff of the City of Stirling.
"We are also indebted to Dr Hames for his willingness to listen and to act on the wishes of Balga residents," he said.
"This single act by the Minster will forever change the suburb's face and image."
Dr Hames said the New North project was well under way.
"Further community consultation is taking place and a number of public meetings and workshops have been held," he said.
"The first batch of Homeswest houses have been refurbished and sold and a complex of 11 units had also been sold in Koondoola.
"An additional 16 units - known as Hovea Place - have been refurbished in Derrington Crescent and are currently all under offer.
"Another 16 units - known as Cedar Place - are now for sale in Seaton Place, Girrawheen."
Media contact: Caroline Lacy: 9424 7455
Homeswest: Stephanie Woods 9222 4500