Construction on an $85m build-to-rent housing development that will offer 151 apartments just outside Adelaide’s CBD has started.
Wirra Mikangka in Eastwood will include two buildings, one nine-storeys and the other five-storeys, with shared spaces and gardens for residents overlooking Adelaide’s southeastern parklands.
The ground floor will be dedicated to retail and hospitality space.
Of the 151 energy-efficient apartments across the two buildings, 121 will be offered to people on low and moderate incomes, including those on the SA single Housing Register.
The remaining 30 will be available at market rent.
It is one of the largest integrated build-to-rent developments under construction in SA and adds more affordable stock to a tight rental market that’s fast becoming too expensive for many.
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Construction on $85m build-to-rent housing development Wirra Mikangka, which will offer 151 apartments just outside Adelaide’s CBD, has started. Picture: render supplied.
Community housing provider Housing Choices SA is building Wirra Mikangka, which is Kaurna for “in front of the forest” and was developed with Kaurna representatives.
Residents are expected to start moving in by late next year.
Housing Choices Australia executive group director of homes Mark Hayward said the development, its first in SA, addressed an urgent need for affordable housing close to the city.
“It’s essential we build good quality housing close to the city, supporting people on low to moderate incomes to access stable homes near employment, services and life opportunities, and help create strong, diverse communities,” he said.
“This project has been made possible through the collaboration, support and contributions of our partners, with funding from SA Housing Trust and Housing Australia supplementing our own investment.”
Minister for Housing Nick Champion said it was an exciting development for the state.
“With so many rental apartments – most of them affordable located close to the CBD – it will help address housing affordability and provide high‑quality, safe and secure housing for some of our most vulnerable families,” he said.
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The development will include shared spaces and gardens for residents. Picture: render supplied.
The South Australian Housing Trust Capital Grant, grant and debt financing from Housing Australia’s National Housing Infrastructure Facility’s Social and Affordable Housing, the Social Housing Accelerator Payment, and equity investment from Housing Choices SA helped fund the project.
The collaboration ensures the development can offer high-quality and sustainable homes for South Australians with access to public transport, schools, hospitals and other essential services.
SA builder Hindmarsh Construction Australia will deliver the development, which was designed by Adelaide firm JPE with specialist architect Hill Thalis.
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