A vacant block of land in Armidale Street, South Grafton owned by respected community and aged care housing provider, Clarence Village Limited, will soon house the largest modular social housing project in the nation.
State Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson, who has backed the project from day one, was delighted to meet on site with the CEO and Chairman of the Board to announce a $5 million funding investment from the NSW Government towards the landmark housing development.
Mr Williamson said it is a very exciting and much-needed housing project for the Clarence Valley, specifically aimed at supporting affordable, purpose-built housing for single older women at risk of homelessness.
"It will deliver 32 new self-contained one-bedroom social housing units designed specifically for older residents, with vulnerable single older women prioritised for the new homes," Mr Williamson said.
The project, being delivered by Clarence Village Ltd in partnership with Homes NSW and Housing Australia, represents a total investment of $14.5 million and is expected to have all buildings constructed and installed before Christmas, with residents anticipated to receive keys by Easter 2027.
Mr Williamson said the development was a practical response to the growing housing challenges facing regional communities and would help vulnerable residents remain connected to family, friends, and local support networks.
"There is a growing need for smaller, affordable and low-maintenance housing options in regional communities like ours, and this development is exactly the type of practical investment we need," he said.
"For more than 50 years, Clarence Village has played a vital role in providing housing and support for seniors across the Clarence Valley and this project continues that outstanding legacy of care, dignity and community service."
Clarence Village CEO Duncan McKimm said the organisation had been working towards delivering seniors housing on the South Grafton site since 2018.
"Having been close to funding many times it feels a little surreal to now be in a position to build the project, but we're extremely motivated to get the job done," Mr McKimm said.
He said the project would provide significant benefits for older residents experiencing housing insecurity.
"The waiting list for single bedroom social housing in Grafton is over 10 years. This project is going to have a significant impact on the lives of those who might otherwise end up homeless or in residential aged care due to a lack of suitable housing," he said.
"By co-locating seniors in this development, we can build a community that cares for older people in South Grafton. Being able to keep older people safe and connected to their community as they age is a really important part of a civil society."
Mr McKimm also acknowledged Mr Williamson's support for the project.
"It would have been easy to throw our hands in the air and say getting funding was all too hard. Richie's help in getting us access to the NSW Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson to advocate for the project and his encouragement to keep going was critical to getting where we are today," he said.
"We always say we don't need special treatment, we just need to have our case heard. Richie helped us get that and the results are about to be seen in built form."
Homes NSW will purchase 16 units off the plan and lease them back to Clarence Village for 25 years, while the project is also being supported through the Housing Australia Future Fund via concessional loans and availability payments over the same period.
The modular homes are being constructed by Uniplan from Armidale.
