For rent: H+H architects, Wauters and Advance Housing complete $5.25m project for 12 social homes in McKail

Twelve new social homes are ready for occupation in McKail, representing a significant boost to the Great Southern’s housing crisis. The project to build the homes cost $5.25 million and came about through a $866,526 State Government grant plus significant investment from Advance Housing, who will manage the tenancies and maintenance. There are six two-storey developments in Radiata Drive with each comprising a two-bedroom unit on the ground floor and a one-bedroom flat on the top. They have been designed to provide flexible accommodation for a range of tenants who could include couples or seniors. All comply with at least the Silver Livable Housing Australia standard, with the ground-floor units reaching the gold standard. Designed by H+H Architects and built by Wauters, they also achieved a seven-star energy rating which should mean lower running costs for tenants. Homelessness Week ran from August 4-10 and Advance Housing chief executive John Lysaught said strong communities start with stable housing. “Our team is actively working to increase housing supply, which creates local jobs and benefits our broader community,” he said. “These homes are just the beginning of a substantial pipeline of new builds that we’re proud to deliver.” He said the units showed modern community housing could be well-designed, built and managed and would blend seamlessly into the neighbourhood. He said they would be occupied within two weeks of completion. “These homes also create more pathways, supporting tenants to move from crisis or transitional housing into long-term, stable accommodation,” he said. Advance Housing is an Albany-based not-for-profit that has been providing affordable housing assistance within the Great Southern for more than 25 years. The State Government has also committed $25m to support the delivery of 51 new affordable homes in Albany, which will also be delivered by Advance Housing. Housing and Works Minister John Carey said the Government had invested $5.8 billion in housing and homelessness measures since 2021. Minister for Great Southern Reece Whitby said the Government was doing everything it could to boost housing supply in the region. “I’m pleased we can help create housing solutions through Advance Housing, which is playing a crucial role in the Albany community to provide a secure place for vulnerable people to live in,” he said.