Albany architectural firm appointed for design work on eight new social housing units in Spencer Park

An Albany architectural firm has been appointed to design eight new social units in Spencer Park as the part of the suburb’s $4 million renewal project. Housing Minister John Carey announced the $4 million cash injection in September last year, with some of the funds to be used to build new social housing properties and refurbish old ones. On Friday, he revealed that Holmes Architects Albany had completed initial concept designs for the eight two-bedroom units. After detailed design work, the plans will be subject to the City of Albany approvals process. Mr Carey said the broader Spencer Park renewal project, being led by the Department of Communities, would also involve landscaping, footpath upgrades, improvements to Mokare Park and new road connections and infrastructure. He said there were 30 new social housing properties on the way in the Great Southern. “This renewal project, like others being undertaken across the State, will be critical to revitalising Spencer Park, as well as expanding and improving the number of social homes available in Albany and the Great Southern,” he said. “I know there is a need for more social housing and right now we have 30 new homes at various stages of design and construction in the Great Southern, which are expected to be completed over roughly the next 18 months. “We’re exploring opportunities to spot purchase homes for new social housing, with 13 homes spot purchased in the Great Southern so far this financial year to the end of March. “It’s a challenging time to deliver housing, but with new programs including modular and spot purchasing, we are expanding the availability of social housing in the Great Southern as fast as possible. Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens said the new Spencer Park units would help meet high demand for singles accommodation in Albany. “This project is gathering pace and will significantly improve the overall amenity of Spencer Park, as well as the housing options that are available to singles in the area, bringing vibrancy and community connection to the suburb,” she said.