Jordan Springs: $65m inclusive living development opens in growing Penrith suburb
Penrith has been identified as one of Sydney’s worst areas for shortfalls in disability housing. Now, a brand new, luxurious apartment block has promised to help fix that. This is how.
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A multimillion-dollar development, which includes specially designed apartments aimed at alleviating shortfalls in disability housing, has opened in a growing, affluent north Penrith suburb.
Kala, a $65m housing development by Sydney firm Coplex, is comprised of 84 apartments across two four-level buildings.
It officially opened in the growing Lendlease developed neighbourhood Jordan Springs on November 12.
The apartments have between one and three bedrooms, with 19 specially designed for people with disabilities.
Ten of these were created for people with significant physical impairments and include built-in structures for ceiling hoists, kitchens with lift-up benches and drawer pantries and dishwashers, dimmable lights, pull-down hangers in the wardrobes, heating lights in the bathrooms and an uninterruptible power supply.
Two overnight assistance units are also on site for carers who assist residents around the clock.
The remaining nine units were designed for improved livability for those with sensory, intellectual or cognitive disabilities, and with better physical access in mind.
Doors are painted different colours to create a 30 per cent contrast for residents with visual disabilities, electric cooktops, drawer dishwashers and adjustable shelves in the storage or linen cupboards.
All 19 units include durable hybrid flooring and provisions for automated windows, doors and blinds.
National Disability Insurance Scheme data states that as of June 13, the greater Penrith area — which spans Warragamba to Castlereagh — had the highest number of NDIS participants in NSW with specialist disability accommodation funding, or a need for it, with 287.
The data states 64 of these participants have the funding, but not the housing, while a further 10 are eligible for the funding but are yet to receive it.
This is the second highest number in the Sydney area, just behind Campbelltown. That area has 66 participants with the funding, but not the housing, while 14 are eligible but yet to receive it.
Coplex director Rami Ibrahim said he was “incredibly proud” to help in transforming the lives of 19 households and families who would be using the special accomodation.
“Unfortunately, it is rare to see developers including this type of specialist accommodation in their plans when building new facilities,” he said.
“The costs to refurbish or add customisations afterwards can be astronomical, which can limit the number of specialist disability accommodation available.
“Kala is a lakeside luxury development, and despite including customisations to meet the needs of NDIS participants, we have maintained that sense of luxury throughout, delivering all the convenience and high quality of our internal finishes.”
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