Groundwork will soon start for the construction of 20 new public housing homes, the first stage of an initial $159 million construction program to rejuvenate Canberra’s public housing stock.

The 20, two-bedroom single storey cottages in Chisholm represent the first stage of our plans to replace 1,288 older public housing dwellings across Canberra - around 10% of Canberra’s entire public housing stock.

Many of these are older public housing homes that were built to reflect standards of past years and these new homes will improve safety and accessibility, be more energy efficient and reduce maintenance costs.

Construction of the Chisholm homes, which are located close to local shops, schools, services and public transport, is expected to get underway next month and to be completed in late 2016. Planning work has also begun to build a further 25 single-storey homes in Monash. 

Most new developments will range from 14-25 dwellings which is vital to ensure we don’t return to the days of high density multi-unit properties.

These developments will make sure public housing continues to be distributed across Canberra through the ‘salt and pepper’ approach and supports the inclusion of public housing tenants.

As part of this program we are committed to informing and engaging with the community as we plan for and build these new homes.

In Tuggeranong we have worked with members of the Tuggeranong Community Council and Chisholm and Monash residents and we will continue to maintain this engagement throughout construction.

Our public housing renewal program is the largest since self-government and will deliver better and more secure homes for tenants as well as a significant economic investment in our local construction sector, supporting our economy and jobs.

That’s why I am pleased to be able to announce that the contract to construct these homes in Chisholm has gone to award-winning Canberra builder Blackett Homes.

This year will be an important one for renewal program as we plan to begin construction in Chisholm, Monash, the new suburbs of Moncrieff and Coombs as well as Amaroo and Nicholls.

For information about the Chisholm site visit: www.economicdevelopment.act.gov.au/urban-renewal/public-housing-renewal/new-public-housing-locations/chisholm

For more information on the ACT Government’s public housing renewal program visit: www.act.gov.au/housingrenewal