The $135 million renewal project, to be known as Oaklands Green, is a partnership between the Marshall Liberal Government, Housing Renewal Australia Oaklands Park and Junction Australia.
A 16ha area in Oaklands Park will see the renewal of more than 250 rundown and ageing Housing SA properties and construction of almost 400 new, additional affordable and market homes, as well as improved public infrastructure, including roads, footpaths and new open, green spaces.
Construction is set to begin in early 2021 and will take place in stages, with the first homes to be completed in late 2021.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the project was welcome news for the economy, jobs, public housing tenants – and low-and-moderate income South Australians wanting to enter the housing market.
“Oaklands Green will provide an ongoing pipeline of work over the next eight years for the housing building and construction industry and support an estimated 1,215 direct jobs over the life of the project,” said Minister Lensink.
“Currently, this area of Oaklands Park is home to dated 1950s public housing situated on huge blocks of land – and this multi-million development will renew, rejuvenate and revitalise the suburb and surrounds.
“This development provides better housing choices for South Australians, from those looking for their first home, to those downsizing, to those ageing in place.
“This project will be funded through land sales in stages, so we will see the public benefit of new social housing and more affordable housing at no capital cost to taxpayers.
“Importantly, it will mean no loss of social housing – the number of these properties will remain at 267 after this development.”
The SA Housing Authority will transfer the property and tenancy management of these properties to Junction under a 25-year lease and a transfer management deed, with the Authority to retain property ownership.
“The tenancy terms and conditions for these Housing SA tenants will not change with the property and tenancy management transfer, meaning tenants will continue to have the same security of tenancy and conditions they do now,” said Minister Lensink.
The project, situated 8km from the CBD, includes improvements to green space, including places to have picnics and walking trails.
Oaklands Green will also have better access to Oaklands Railway Station, Oaklands Estate Reserve and the Oaklands Park Wetlands.
The Oaklands Park redevelopment aligns with the commitments in the State Government’s new Our Housing Future 2020-30 strategy to increase the supply of affordable housing and to improve social housing dwellings for tenants.
It also aligns with the strategy’s intent to drive not-for-profit and private sector investment in the delivery of new social, affordable and market homes through neighbourhood renewal.
HRA will manage and fund the eight-year master planned renewal project in stages including demolition, housing construction and civil works. It will include $1.25 million in the installation of a recycled water scheme across all dwellings and individual battery storage for each dwelling, improve roads and footpaths.
Project Director Geoff Smith said the Housing Renewal Australia investors and project team were delighted to reach this agreement with the State Government.
“Housing Renewal Australia was formed to deliver renewal in social housing communities so that tenants have better homes, lower utility costs, increased community supports and improved opportunities,” said Mr Smith.
“We set ourselves two fundamental goals from the outset – to deliver one-for-one social housing replacements and to deliver a master-planned project in partnership with the community and stakeholders including Local Government.
“Together with Junction as our respected and trusted local partners, we can’t wait to get started and work with tenants and the broader community to build these new homes and community open space facilities that will be the new Oaklands Green.” Junction
CEO Maria Palumbo said the project would pave the way for improved opportunities along with new homes.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve this area and above all, the outcomes for everyone who is part of this community now – and into the future,” she said.
Oaklands Park residents are encouraged to participate in any community consultation involved in the planning process by calling 1800 266 760 or emailing community@oaklandsgreen.com.au.
For more information visit oaklandsgreen.com.au
