Advance Housing Limited has welcomed funding through the Western Australian Government’s Regional Housing Support Fund to support the delivery of its landmark Spencer Street Precinct Project in central Albany.

The funding will contribute to the bulk earthworks and siteworks on the vacant land on the project site. These extensive enabling works are essential to preparing the land for construction and unlocking the delivery of 18 new two-bedroom social and affordable homes.

Advance Housing Acting Chief Executive Officer Kim Daniel said the funding represented an important investment in a regionally significant project that will respond to housing need while contributing to the ongoing renewal and vitality of Albany’s central business district.

“Advance Housing sincerely thanks the Western Australian Government for recognising the importance of this project and the additional challenges involved in delivering housing on complex regional sites,” Ms Daniel said.

“Bulk earthworks and site preparation are substantial but often less visible parts of housing development. Without this critical enabling infrastructure, projects of this scale and complexity cannot move forward. This investment helps overcome a significant feasibility barrier and moves the Spencer Street Precinct Project another important step closer to becoming a reality.”

Located on predominantly vacant land owned by Advance Housing in the Albany CBD, the Spencer Street Precinct Project will deliver 18 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for social and affordable housing. Each home will be designed to meet either Gold or Silver Liveable Housing Design Standards, supporting accessibility, adaptability and the changing needs of residents over time.

The project will create more diverse housing options in a highly accessible inner-city location, close to employment, education, shops, essential services and community facilities. It will also demonstrate how thoughtfully designed social and affordable housing can be successfully incorporated into mixed-use precincts and contribute positively to the surrounding neighbourhood.

Alongside the residential development, two existing buildings will be redeveloped to provide approximately 725 square metres of contemporary commercial space intended for tertiary education use. The redevelopment will retain the historic façades of the buildings, to preserve an important element of Albany’s built character while giving the properties a renewed long-term purpose.

Advance Housing has already made a substantial commitment to progressing the project, including securing the site and undertaking the detailed planning, design and approval work needed to establish a clear pathway toward delivery.

The Regional Housing Support Fund investment will help address the significant cost and complexity of preparing the site and provide an essential foundation for the broader development.

Advance Housing will continue working with the Western Australian Government, funding partners and local stakeholders to progress the remaining elements of the project and deliver a lasting housing and community asset for Albany and the Great Southern.

For more information, contact Advance Housing on 9845 9697.