The 54 new units will be affordable rentals and include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
15 March 2024
The ACT Government is investing in the delivery of more affordable rental properties in Woden.
Marymead CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn will deliver a 54-unit build-to-rent development in Curtin.
This is supported by the ACT Government’s $60 million Affordable Housing Project Fund.
All 54 units will be affordable rentals and include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2025 and be completed by mid-to-late 2026, pending planning approvals.
The Government established the Affordable Housing Project Fund in 2023 to grow the supply of affordable rental properties in Canberra and strengthen the community housing sector.
The Curtin development is one of six projects identified for support under the fund. Others include:
- a CHC Australia and Canberra Southern Cross Club 140-unit build-to-rent project in Phillip, which will include 70 affordable rental units; and
- the Government’s $4.5 million contribution to the Ginninderry women’s housing initiative – a partnership between Housing Australia and CHC Australia as part of a joint venture to deliver the first women’s housing build-to-rent-to-buy pilot program.
In total, the six projects are expected to deliver up to 280 new affordable rental properties in Canberra.
These will contribute to the Government’s commitment to deliver 600 additional affordable rentals by 2025–26.
“Marymead CatholicCare is extremely excited to partner with the ACT Government and the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn’s North Woden Parish to deliver a brand new affordable rental development in Curtin,” Marymead CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn CEO Anne Kirwan said.
“This project has been five years in the making, and we have worked closely with the ACT Government to support this initiative and enable the Archdiocese to be able to use its own land to meet a growing need within our community – housing.
“This build will increase rental supply in the ACT for individuals and families who earn less than $100,000 and who are experiencing rental distress,” Anne said.
Community housing providers and landholders are encouraged to submit proposals to access the Affordable Housing Project Fund.
They can do this via the Government’s request for proposal process, which closes on 9 April 2024.
More information is available on the Government’s Housing website.
Build to rent, which is aimed at increasing the supply of rental properties available for long-term tenure, is an important part of the Government’s ACT Housing Strategy to improve rental supply and affordability.
With the Canberra population on track to reach half-a-million people by 2027, the project will help ensure the right mix of housing options for a growing city.
The Government will announce further community housing partnerships for affordable build-to-rent projects soon.
Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:
