5/3/03
The revitalisation of Adeline is now officially under way, with Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens launching the $2million project in Kalgoorlie today.
Part of the biggest urban renewal scheme ever undertaken in Western Australia, Adeline will become Golden Grove under the Department of Housing and Works' New Living program.
Mr Stephens said the project would reduce Homeswest housing on the estate by 11 per cent through the refurbishment of 222 old properties, most then being sold on the open market.
"Adeline evolved around 1970, when the State Housing Commission, as Homeswest was then known, began to build more public housing in Kalgoorlie," he said.
"The houses were built using the Radburn concept of the front of the house facing into the block and the back of the house facing the street. Across the middle of the block, was a walkway so that people could easily visit family and friends living nearby.
"At the time, the Radburn concept was considered to be most appropriate for Adeline and several other housing developments around the State.
"But Adeline has had some social problems related to the design of the suburb, its social economic structure and the type, use and density of Homeswest housing.
"Since its development more than three decades ago, there has been a significant shift with regard to demographics in Adeline, resulting in the current design now being unsuited to residents' needs."
Mr Stephens said that although it was early days, five properties had already been refurbished by the department for sale and three were currently under offer.
An attractive incentive scheme was being offered to potential buyers including landscaping, fencing, white goods packages and air-conditioning.
"While tenants who want to relocate will have reasonable expenses met by the Department of Housing and Works, we are strongly encouraging tenants to stay and purchase their properties," the Minister said.
"The Goodstart Scheme, which is currently in place, assists those who are unable to independently purchase their property and a shared equity is offered."
The Golden Grove project has the full support of the City of Kalgoorlie/Boulder and a Memorandum of Understanding is in place to assist the implementation of the works.
Other successful New Living projects have been implemented in the Perth metropolitan area including the New North (comprising Balga, Girrawheen, Westminster, and Koondoola), Lockridge, Coolbellup, Kwinana and Karawara.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
