Render of what the final Curtin development could look like. Photo: Supplied.
A new 98-unit development will transform a vacant block of land adjacent to the Curtin Shops into a social and supported housing complex with an estimated construction cost of $46.5 million.
The complex will comprise 83 affordable units – a mix of one-, two- and three-bedrooms – rented at 75 per cent of the city’s average rent plus 15 supported housing apartments for community members living with mental illness.
The ACT Government has committed funding through the Affordable Project Fund and a construction grant. The Federal Government will also contribute to the project through the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility.
The project, in the works for more than a decade, is a partnership between Woden Uniting Church which donated the land to the project, the Wesley Mission which will oversee the project, and MyHome which will operate the supported housing once completed.
Homes, Homelessness and New Suburbs Minister Yvette Berry praised the cooperation between the non-profits and government.
“When everybody’s got some skin in the game, we see these kinds of projects with some real innovation and some deep thinking about the people who are going to live here,” Ms Berry said. “More than just the homes themselves, building really strong communities, but also giving people a better life and hope for a better future for themselves and their families.”
Minister Yvette Berry discusses plans for the housing complex on a large vacant block opposite Curtin Shops with MyHome’s Evan Mann, Wesley Mission’s Andrew Tyndale and project supporters. Photo: Nicholas Ward.
The project is part of the government’s drive to build 30,000 homes in the capital, including 5000 affordable housing units by 2030.
Government announced it would back the Curtin project through direct funds, a waiver on the lease variation charge, and ongoing support to cover the gap between the market rate and discount rate for the affordable units once built.
Wesley Mission’s chief investment and assets officer Andrew Tyndale thanked the government for its support.
“It’s a wonderful example of cooperation and coordination between community and government,” he said.
“We are looking very much forward to developing this property, but also to providing real new homes for almost 100 people, 100 families, 100 households, as the project develops.”
MyHomes will maintain the complex’s 15 supported units 24/7 via a caregiver apartment and onsite office.
MyHome committee member Evan Mann said it was satisfying to see the project finally being realised.
“Thirteen years ago when the My Home committee came along to the congregation and asked whether they could use the land for housing for people with enduring mental illness, and we said yes, there’s been ongoing commitment ever since,” Mr Mann said.
“We’ve stuck … all the way through. So it’s wonderful, it’s a very happy time for all of us.”
The development application was submitted on 23 April and is under assessment. Construction is scheduled to get underway early 2026; the first residents are expected to move in as early as the end of 2027.
