The ACT Government has announced the construction of 70 new affordable rental homes in Phillip.

Supported by the ACT Government’s $60 million Affordable Housing Project Fund, CHC Australia and the Canberra Southern Cross Club, the new homes will be part of a new 140-unit Build-to-Rent development in Phillip.

The homes will be located adjacent to the Stellar Canberra health and wellness centre.

Construction will commence this year and is expected to be completed in 2026, ready for families to move in.

The Government established the Affordable Housing Project Fund last year to grow the supply of affordable rental properties in Canberra and strengthen the community housing sector.

Since it was launched, the Fund has offered financial support for six projects (subject to finalising funding agreements) with the potential to deliver about 280 new affordable rentals for Canberrans.

Community housing providers and developers are encouraged to submit proposals to access the fund at any time. More information can be found in the government’s Affordable Rental Prospectus.

Build-to-Rent, which is aimed at providing affordable housing to long-term renters, is an important part of the Government’s ACT Housing Strategy to improve rental supply and affordability.

The Government will announce further community housing partnerships soon for Build-to-Rent projects.

“With a dire shortage of rental accommodation that is affordable for lower income earners such as essential workers, CHC is delighted that the ACT Government is supporting community housing providers to grow affordable rental supply,” CHC Australia CEO Andrew Hannan said.

“Together with our valued partner, the Canberra Southern Cross Club, we cannot wait to turn soil on our new mixed-tenure market and affordable Build-to-Rent development in Phillip that will deliver 70 affordable rental units for the community.”

This year’s Budget Review will also progress the proposed MyHome project in Curtin, with $500,000 committed for planning and design work.

MyHome is designed to provide long-term supported residential accommodation and care for 15 people with an enduring mental illness.

The project will be built on Uniting Church land and led by Wesley Mission working with MyHome in Canberra, a local community organisation, and Woden Valley Uniting Church.

Canberra is on track to reach 500,000 people by 2027. These initiatives will help ensure the right mix of housing options to meet the growing city’s needs.