27/6/03
Eighteen apartments and a five-bed hostel would become available in Subiaco for single people seeking affordable accommodation, Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens announced today.
Mr Stephens confirmed the Department of Housing and Works had purchased Mayflower Homes from Uniting Church Homes.
The complex in Bagot Road includes four one-bedroom units, 14 bedsitter units and a five-bedroom hostel," he said.
"In a joint project with City Housing, the property will be renovated and upgraded to suit singles seeking affordable inner city housing."
Mr Stephens said the Gallop Government was delivering a fairer deal for all Western Australians by ensuring its public housing program met the essential needs of the community.
"On deciding to sell the facility, Uniting Church Homes gave the Department of Housing and Works the first option to purchase the property so that the accommodation could provide affordable housing into the future," he said.
After an inspection, the department recognised the potential to use the property to provide much-needed accommodation to cater for the needs of tenants in a location where vital services such as employment, education, transport, and health services were provided.
Options were then discussed with community housing provider, City Housing.
Mr Stephens said discussions led to plans for a major upgrade, to make the accommodation suitable for single people requiring either independent living in the apartments or lodgings in the hostel.
"Both parties agreed to enter a joint venture to develop the property, with the department purchasing the existing land and buildings and City Housing contributing $319,000 for the proposed renovations," he said.
Subiaco Mayor Tony Costa has welcomed today's announcement as the best news in decades for social housing in the suburb.
"It is a step in the right direction, for those in need," Mr Costa said.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
