Kings Landing residents delighted to get affordable housing at last
A resident who has secured a new studio unit in Kings Landing, an affordable housing apartment complex in Roselands, says it’s a huge blessing.
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Donna Te Kawana says it is like winning the Lotto now that she is living in a new studio apartment at Kings Landing, an affordable and social housing development in Roselands.
The mother of one was one of the first to move into the block when it opened in March, saying she had been trying for six years to find something affordable.
The 26-unit apartment on King Georges Rd is a mix of affordable and social housing and cost $6.5 million, with the NSW Government providing around $2.5 million.
It was officially opened on Wednesday by Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour and representatives of developers Evolve Housing and Pacific Rim Housing, Paul Howlett and Wal Edgell respectively.
The apartment block, built on the site of two houses, is close to Roselands Shopping Centre and includes two apartments which are accessible for people with disabilities.
“This is a blessing because we all know how hard it is out there to find something new and affordable like this one,” Ms Te Kawana said.
“I was sold when I first saw this place, it’s like winning the Lotto.
“I used to live in Hurstville and had applied for housing in 2013 so this a huge blessing and I thank Evolve Housing for getting me this place.”
The New Zealand national is now the unofficial manager of the complex, taking out the garbage every week and also trying to start a community group with all the residents.
Glen Dutoit, who has been homeless for some years, and Venetis Gianniondis, said they have also been trying to get social and affordable housing for years without luck.
“I have been on the streets for three years and was struggling, so this is amazing,” Mr Dutoit said. “It has all everything you need including a fridge, washing machine, cooker and TV.”
Mr Gianniondis, who earlier lived in Belmore, said he was blown away by the convenience and equipment in his new home.
“My first words were wow and this is the first time I have new equipment and a new house,” said Mr Gianniondis, who plans to start a community garden.
Councillor Asfour, who planted a tree in the small garden at Kings Landing, said the project is a great example of genuine affordable housing where rent is appropriately set and managed.
“This is the type of affordable housing that should be supported and encouraged, not poorly designed and overpriced developments, which provide no benefit to those who need support,” he said.
Cr Asfour said there was a stigma attached to these types of housing but Canterbury Bankstown needed more of the same to cater to the many people doing it very tough.
Evolve Housing general manager development delivery David Risbey said they the organisation was completing a similar project in the Central Coast, which was part of the government project.
“Those renting the affordable units are getting a discount off the market rate while for the social housing residents, they contribute 25 per cent of their income,” Mr Risbey said.
“Eight of these units can be converted for people with disability too.”
A Canterbury Bankstown Council spokeswoman said Kings Landing was not the first of its kind in the suburb to offer disabled access.
“Australian Standards require that a proportion of units, within any new development, must be accessible, and we ensure compliance when assessing applications,” she said.
Evolve Housing CEO Lyall Gorman said rents in the Canterbury-Bankstown region were high and often out of reach for even moderate income earners.
Pacific Link Housing Acting CEO Ian Lynch said the co-operation of all parties involved had been pleasing, resulting in the development being completed on time and within budget.
Evolve Housing, one of Australia’s largest community housing providers, also supports Kings Landing residents through a range of initiatives including access to training and employment programs, personal support plans, no interest loans and services provided through Evolve Housing for Youth.
Pacific Link Housing manage more than 1000 properties in The Central Coast, Newcastle and Hunter regions and provides housing solutions for those in need.
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