Opening of Albany apartment complex for single men

27/10/95

Housing Minister Kevin Prince today opened a new Albany apartment complex catering specifically for single men.

Mr Prince said the eight-unit complex, in Cockburn Road, was leased to the Maarn Mia House Group, and was designed to fill a hole in the market for affordable, long-term rental housing for men aged 18 to 60 years.

The complex was purpose-built for the men as part of the Community Housing Program administered by Homeswest and funded by the Commonwealth.

"Community housing programs such as this are becoming increasingly popular and the management of the housing is often placed in the hands of community groups or local government agencies," Mr Prince said.

"This development has been leased to the Maarn Mia House Group who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the accommodation and who have pushed the project from the start.

"Maarn Mia actually means 'single men's camp' in the Noongar language, so the association is quite fitting."

Mr Prince said the units were built at a cost of $388,652 with planning by local architects Hobbs, Smith and Holmes and the building also by local firm Spaanderman Homes.

"This project has been Albany-designed and built and is a credit to the talents of our local businesses," the Minister said.

"The unit complex itself will also be a major asset for the community, as well as a working example of the benefits of community housing and the close relationship between Homeswest and local support groups."

Media contact:  Stacey Molloy (09) 366 0300 or (09) 222 9595