ONE of the state’s biggest social and affordable housing works programs is being released to the market, seeking builders to deliver more than 1000 new homes adjacent to new Metronet stations.

The new home developments include Midland, Ellenbrook, Ballajura, Woodbridge and Bassendean.

The program includes 14 build-to-rent developments, which will deliver 1145 new homes, comprising approximately 80 per cent affordable and 20 per cent social housing.

The developments range from three storeys to nine storeys, with around half being located adjacent to new Metronet train stations including Ellenbrook, Cannington, Midland, Redcliffe and Ballajura.

Developments will also be delivered in Wellard, White Gum Valley, Rivervale, Butler, Subiaco, Kelmscott and Perth City Link.

The tender is part of a landmark agreement between the Cook and Albanese Labor governments.

The agreement, through the federal government’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) and the National Housing Accord Facility (NHAF), will see the state government provide upfront capital investment of $443 million to deliver the new homes.

These homes will then be sold to community housing providers, who will be able to access concessional loans from the HAFF and NHAF and may also be able to apply for senior debt through the Housing Australia affordable housing bond aggregator, as well as ongoing subsidies to support their repayments over a 25-year period.

The buildings will be delivered to a minimum of ‘silver livable’ under the national Livable Housing Design guidelines and a 7-star NatHERS energy and thermal efficiency rating.

A further seven projects being delivered by the Department of Communities have also been approved under the agreement.

The 14 developments will be split across two packages, with the tender seeking two federally accredited builders to deliver each package.

DevelopmentWA has already undertaken a market sounding process with federally accredited builders, with strong expressions of interest.

Treasurer and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the agreement would see the government deliver one of the biggest affordable housing programs in the state’s history.

“Metronet is the single largest investment in public transport that Perth has ever seen, and this landmark package is another critical piece of delivering a better-connected city with more transport, housing and employment choices.

“More people living in close proximity to affordable and reliable public transport is critical for our growing city and reducing congestion on our road network.”

Premier Roger Cook said his government would never stop working towards ensuring every Western Australian has a home.

“No matter where we live – in our suburbs, our towns, or our remote communities – I want all Western Australians to have access to local job opportunities, as well as essential infrastructure and services.

“These works are part of the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to increasing housing affordability for Western Australians.

“Not only will it deliver a pipeline of more than 1000 social and affordable homes across Perth, it will also deliver long-term jobs and boost rental supply.”

Tenders will close June 3.

More information can be found at www.developmentwa.com.au/housing