NOT-FOR-PROFIT affordable housing provider Foundation Housing has started construction on a mixed-use commercial and residential project in Northbridge.
Housing Minister Troy Buswell said in a statement last week the state government had committed almost $13 million for the construction of the development, in response to the demand for social and affordable housing in the area.
The Foundation Housing development along Newcastle Street and Zempilas Road will feature retail and office tenancies at ground level, with housing above.
Mr Buswell said the development was another step towards the government’s goal of providing 20,000 additional affordable housing dwellings by 2020.
Another six-storey building housing a five-storey, 44 single unit hostel will be built at the rear of the site, with the remaining level set aside for car parking.
Practical completion on the Foundation Housing development is expected in June 2011.
Through the East Perth Redevelopment Authority, the state government also assisted in the development of the neighbouring Women’s Health Care House, which began construction in December 2009.
EPRA provided the land at no cost to the City of Perth for a peppercorn lease agreement to Women’s Health Services.