South West seniors and retirees will soon have more living options closer to home thanks to the new Manjimup Seniors Living project.
The project addresses a key focus area in the Government’s Affordable Housing Strategy to stimulate the supply of housing for seniors, including a range of affordable and appropriate rental, long-term lease and ownership options.
A number of purpose-built homes will be built on the former Manjimup Primary School site which is located less than one kilometre from the town centre and is close to existing and planned amenities.
The project includes 31 independent living units for seniors to be sold below market rates as part of the Government's Affordable Housing Strategy, along with mix of rental and ownership opportunities for seniors including shared equity, rent to buy, defined lease and lease for life options.
Manjimup Seniors Living was launched on Saturday 12 March by Minister for Housing Colin Holt and Minister for Regional Development Terry Redman along with Housing’s General Manager Service Delivery Greg Cash and Shire of Manjimup representatives.
Minister Holt said the project would enable Manjimup seniors to remain in their community through affordable, age-friendly housing options close to services and amenities.
“Seniors with varying income and assets will have a place to call home, with secure tenure,” Mr Holt said.
The Housing Authority has provided the land for the project which is valued at approximately $750,000. The Shire of Manjimup has also secured $2 million to contribute to the project through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions’ Regional Grants Scheme.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said that the project will provide regional seniors with the opportunity to remain in their communities.
“Addressing the needs of an ageing population is a responsibility shared across the whole of government and community,” Mr Redman said.
Housing’s Project Manager for Manjimup Seniors Living David Leszenko is pleased that the project will deliver much needed seniors housing to the local community.
“Through the various community and stakeholders meetings that I have been involved with, the lack of suitable seniors accommodation that allows people to age in place means that often people have to move away from their families and network of friends, back toward Bunbury, Mandurah or even Perth.”
“The development will create a seniors living hub, located in close proximity to a planned wellness and lifestyle centre, various medical and community services, walking distance to the main shopping district and a new $41 million health services centre, currently under construction,” David said.
Expressions of Interest are currently being sought from developers, builders, not-for-profit organisations and service providers to deliver the project.
For more information, visit
http://www.tenders.wa.gov.au - Tender number HOU0208216