Anglicare plans $68m affordable housing in Mt Druitt for women over 55
A mostly derelict suburban site in Mt Druitt could be transformed into a $68m social and private housing precinct if plans from Anglicare are approved.
A $68 million development for women over 55 could transform a derelict site at Mt Druitt if plans are given the green light in the Land and Environment Court.
Anglicare Community Services has lodged an application with Blacktown Council to construct 175 units over three, eight-story buildings on the corner of Mt Druitt Rd and Durham St.
The development would include a mix of private and social and affordable housing across 54 two-bedroom strata dwellings, eight studio strata dwellings, 60 one-bedroom social and affordable dwellings and 53 boarding rooms, along with a neighbourhood shop, basement parking with 94 car spaces and 11 ground-level parking spaces, at a cost of more than $68 million.
The plans also feature an Anglicare Hub, with on-site support services and communal areas for tenants.
In a social impact statement, Anglicare proposes the plans would offer better access to affordable housing and help curb crime and anti-social behaviour at the derelict buildings on the site.
“The proposal will deliver a long-term positive impact by improving access to social and affordable housing for vulnerable women aged 55 years and over in Western Sydney and NSW Housing Registrants in Blacktown Local Government Area,” documents showed.
The application identifies the need for social housing in the area, with 204 or four per cent of all homes in Mt Druitt falling into this category. The report draws on social housing waiting list data, which, as of June 2017, was five to 10 years for most social housing dwellings.
The site would cover seven lots between 21-27 Durham St and 56-60 Mt Druitt Rd and would be within walking distance of Mt Druitt Westfield, Mt Druitt station, Scared Heart Primary School and the Mt Druitt Community Hall.
A Blacktown Council spokesman said the application was before the Land and Environment Court, which would determine if the development would go ahead.
Plans for the development will remain on public exhibition until April 24. To have your say, visit the Blacktown Council website here.
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