The state government today celebrated the construction of another inner-city public housing complex, this time on East Perth's Goderich Street.
Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts said the former Nevarda shirt factory site had been transformed into a high quality, 69-unit complex at a cost of $14.9million.
"The complex comprises 41 aged persons' units, 26 two-bedroom units and two one-bedroom units," she said.
"Significantly, this project delivers on the State Government's policy of bringing affordable public housing to the inner city.
"The complex has attractive open areas and the extensive use of external colour makes this a local landmark in the rapidly-changing East Perth precinct.
"All the units have a north-south orientation and the ground floor units have private courtyards, while other units have balconies which can be accessed from a living or dining area."
The Minister said the complex represented the future of public housing in Western Australia.
"The unsightly high-rise apartment blocks of the past have no place in a modern public housing strategy," she said.
"The complex offers comfortable housing, it is aesthetically attractive, and it complements the high quality homes in the surrounding neighbourhood.
"High quality public housing also gives the people who will live here a sense of pride and belonging.
"The site is also well serviced by Transperth's Central Area Transit bus service and is within walking distance of Royal Perth Hospital."
The complex is named after a former chief executive officer of the Department of Housing and Works, Greg Joyce.
"One of Greg's philosophies as head of the State's housing agency was that the department must get rid of the stigma of public housing," Mrs Roberts said.
"Greg Joyce's leadership pointed to the future of public housing and this new complex is a great example of that.
"By establishing this well-designed complex in a sought after suburb, we are helping reduce the social stigma often associated with public housing."
