The most innovative social housing project ever to be undertaken in NSW, the Camperdown Project – Common Ground, opened its doors today.
Minister Pearce and Minister Goward were in Camperdown today to officially open the $32 million six storey, 104 unit residential development and meet its new tenants, some of whom have moved directly from the streets into their new homes.
"The Camperdown Project is a key housing-first initiative for NSW which will reduce the numbers of rough sleepers on the streets of Sydney," Ms Goward said.
"The NSW Government has a strong commitment to preventing homelessness and reducing the incidence of homelessness in NSW, as reflected in the NSW 2021 Plan.
"Evidence shows that once people have a home and a place to feel safe they are able to address and manage the issues that led to their homelessness.
"The $32 million project provides stable, secure, long-term homes for 62 previously homeless people, offering the support and opportunities they need to get back on their feet and re-engage with the community.
"It also provides 42 much-needed affordable housing units on the city’s doorstep.
"I congratulate the five key agencies; The Haymarket Foundation, The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, Mission Australia and Wesley Mission who have been selected to provide the on-site support to residents of the building," Ms Goward said.
Mr Pearce said that the project had broken new ground for accessibility, green energy, and for combining different types of housing and social services.
"Meeting the demand for social and affordable housing, particularly in inner Sydney, is an ongoing challenge and today we meet that head on with 104 new homes," Mr Pearce said.
"Designed on the highly successful Common Ground model in New York, this project is the first of its kind in Sydney, combining housing with on-site support services in a mixed community with affordable housing for low income workers," he said.
"The building is also built to a 5 Green Star rating and all the apartments have been universally designed to be fully accessible for people with mobility impairments, making it the largest residential development of 100% universal design in Australia.
"It is a jointly funded initiative of the NSW and Federal Governments, delivered in partnership with Grocon, the Australian Common Ground Alliance and MA Housing.
"I congratulate all the project’s key partners for successfully delivering a valuable asset for the people of NSW, one that will help some of Sydney’s most vulnerable people," Mr Pearce said.
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