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Ethan Affordable Housing Moving Forward with Manton Street Supported Accommodation Development.

Announcement posted by Keneally Consulting 07 Jan 2011

Ethan Affordable Housing is proceeding with a new planning application to develop a Supported Accommodation development in the heart of the Darwin CBD.

Following lengthy consultations the new proposal lodged with the Department of Lands and Planning this week is proposing 92 new dwellings specifically designed for Aged residents.

The dwellings will measure between 38 and 39 square meters each and will be self-contained, allowing residents to enjoy living in the city and receive financial, health and social wellbeing support.

Mr Ashley Fenn, CEO of Ethan Affordable Housing said “the development will increase the accommodation available to the aged who otherwise can’t afford commercial aged care facilities.”

The application replaces a previous proposal made on the same site last year, the original submission was adjourned after circumstances around the ownership of the land changed and the site was placed back on the open market.

“Ethan Affordable Housing was able to purchase the site in November and design a development that will meet the needs of elderly who require safe and affordable supported accommodation in the CBD,” stated Mr Fenn.

Fenn goes on to say “Further Supported Accommodation for both the disadvantaged and elderly is required in the Greater Darwin and Alice Springs areas, which Ethan is committed to working on.”

Whilst the original application attracted criticism by proposing support for people with personal issues, young people who did not have rental experience and residents who required accommodation until transitioned to long term housing, this new proposal has been specifically designed for Aged residents and eligibility will be limited to those aged over 55.

Mr Fenn said that “Subject to approvals being gained the development is likely to be ready for occupancy in mid 2012.”

The management of the proposed development is expected to be undertaken by a local social services provider who has extensive experience in providing similar accommodation in Darwin and around Australia. The management is anticipated to provide 24hr support and the provider will be announced over the following couple of months.

Mr Fenn also stated “Extensive planning was undertaken to respond to each of the objectors and Planning Department’s comments after the original application was advertised, this ensured that the most appropriate design submitted will meet the NT Planning Scheme requirements and reduce the concern from local residents.”

www.ethanhousing.com.au

FACT SHEET

Ethan Affordable Housing is a Not for Profit organisation that provides affordable housing solutions to low and medium income families, identifying and providing solution-based outcomes to the community.

Uniquely, Ethan Affordable Housing combines business and private sector investment with government assistance to create sustainable affordable housing solutions.