Yolk, Ventura picked for housing project

A new land and house development is set to revitalise the former Kinlock Primary School site in Ferndale, with Yolk Property Group and Ventura Home Group appointed as project managers.

Led by the Department of Communities, the Kinlock Infill Development will deliver 90 residential lots in diverse sizes and prices to suit a range of people and budgets.

The department said the development would comprise house and land packages and vacant lots, with an appropriate mix of lots allocated for social housing.

It said every dwelling would also have liveable design features to provide versatility for people with mobility impairment and meet the changing needs of occupants.

Yolk Property Group director Tao Bourton said the consortium would work closely with the local community to shape the development, while also seeking to embrace the history of the old school.

"We know it is important to people that we retain the beautiful existing trees on site where possible, but we want to go further than that and explore ways in which clever design can bring the community together and make living more affordable," Mr Bourton said.

"Affordability is to extend beyond the initial purchase of the house, with consideration given to daily operational costs such as heating, cooling and water usage."

Mr Bourton said Yolk would also leverage its expertise from working with the Department of Communities on the Amble Estate in Girrawheen to explore new energy-saving initiatives.

"The project team will also explore piloting new initiatives in power, community interaction, liveable streets and recycled materials in construction."

Ventura Home Group director Mark Di Masi said the builder would collaborate with suppliers and contractors to implement several initiatives to reduced waste and support recycling.

Following the community engagement campaign, construction is expected to start by mid to late-2020.

Housing minister Peter Tinley said the project would provide a range of living options only 12 kilometres from the Perth CBD.

“Projects like Kinlock help meet demand for affordable housing and allow people to live close to where they work, where they grew up and where their family and friends reside,” he said.

“The Department, Yolk Property and Ventura Homes will apply ‘One Planet Living’ sustainability principles to respect local identity and encourage community involvement.”

The department said sustainability initiatives may include sustainable power generation, the promotion of urban tree canopies and pedestrian-friendly street signs.

“This approach will see an emphasis on sustainable land, material and water use, as well as waste reduction,” Mr Tinley added.

Also commenting on the development was Cannington MLA Bill Johnston.

“Infill development like this means young people can live close to the CBD, which is important for the continued liveability of our city,” he said.

The first stage of land development is planned for 2020-21 and will see the release of approximately 35 lots at the former primary school.