Construction has started on a new $3.2 million social housing redevelopment project in central Wagga to help support vulnerable community members.
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Wagga-based Nationals MLC Wes Fang said approximately 16 jobs will be created in the city during construction of the two-storey, 10-unit apartment building at 8-12 South Parade.
"The modern, fit-for-purpose building had been designed to the highest standards, with architectural features that blend in with the surrounding area, and was purposefully located close to local shops, transport links and Wagga Base Hospital," Mr Fang said.
"As our communities begin to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, social housing projects like this provide much-needed jobs and income for the local construction industry, and deliver new homes for those who need them most, as part of the NSW Government's COVID Recovery Plan.
"The South Parade project will transform an unused vacant lot into well-designed homes that support the needs of local people and reflect the vision and values of the local community."
Some residents on South Parade who previously spoke to The Daily Advertiser welcomed the development but others were concerned about who their new neighbours might be.
Mr Fang has previously said there was a "very robust system in place from the Department of Communities and Justice for dealing with disruptive tenants".
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NSW Housing Minister Melinda Pavey said the development would see a new low-rise apartment building close to local schools, shops and essential services.
"The project demonstrates the smart approach we're taking to growing our housing portfolio, by replacing aged dwellings with new well-designed homes," she said.
The NSW government is also developing a similar social housing block on Wagga's Spring Street.
Westbury Constructions managing director, Darren Price, said the company had sought expressions of interest from local trade subcontractors to assist with construction of the project.
"We had a strong response from local tradespeople and suppliers as part of our tendering process, and as a result, the project is expected to provide employment and business opportunities for dozens of individual subcontractors, including apprentices," Mr Price said.
Residents are expected to move into the completed project in the second half of 2021.