Architectural firm, Holmes Architects Albany, has been appointed to design eight new units in the Spencer Park area as part of the Spencer Park renewal project.
The local architect has completed initial concept designs, which are progressing through for detailed design and to the City of Albany for comments before development approval.
The renewal project is being led by the Department of Communities to improve Spencer Park’s liveability and connectivity through investment in street and public open space, as well as a mix of modern housing and refurbishment of existing social housing properties.
The Spencer Park renewal project will focus on:
- street and landscaping, including upgrades to existing footpaths;
- improvements to Mokare Park, including new public access;
- delivery of new road connections and infrastructure; and
- improvements and expansion to available housing.
The Department of Communities is working with the City of Albany and the Great Southern Development Commission to guide future improvements and development in the area.
The Spencer Park renewal project is part of the McGowan Government’s record $875 million injection to social housing, with $2.1 billion allocated for the construction of an estimated 3,300 new social homes across Western Australia and the maintenance and refurbishment of many thousands more.
Significant investment is being made into expanding social housing in the Great Southern region, with 30 new homes at various stages of design and construction expected to be completed over roughly the next 18 months.
Additionally, the State continues to explore opportunities for spot purchasing, with 13 homes purchased for social housing in the Great Southern this financial year as of March.
As stated by Housing Minister John Carey:
“This renewal project, like others being undertaken across the State, will be critical to revitalising Spencer Park, as well as expanding and improving the number of social homes available in Albany and the Great Southern.
“I know there is a need for more social housing and right now we have 30 new homes at various stages of design and construction in the Great Southern, which are expected to be completed over roughly the next 18 months.
“We’re exploring opportunities to spot purchase homes for new social housing, with 13 homes spot purchased in the Great Southern so far this financial year to the end of March.
“It’s a challenging time to deliver housing but with new programs including modular and spot purchasing, we are expanding the availability of social housing in the Great Southern as fast as possible.
“In the coming four years, our Government will invest more than $2.1 billion towards social housing, which will include the delivery of an estimated 3,300 new homes all around the State.”
As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
“I’m thrilled that an Albany-based architectural firm was appointed to design eight new units for our Spencer Park renewal project.
“This project is gathering pace and will significantly improve the overall amenity of Spencer Park, as well as the housing options that are available to singles in the area, bringing vibrancy and community connection to the suburb.”
