Construction starts on 21 new public-housing homes in Dickson

The construction of 21 new public housing properties has begun in Dickson as part of the ACT government’s Growing and Renewing Public Housing program.

The development will include 21 energy-efficient homes of two-, three- and four-bedroom units and two-bedroom townhouses. Of these, 18 will be units and three will be townhouses.

Canberra construction company, ABA Construction Managers, will build the development to a minimum six-star energy efficiency rating and to a “Gold Class” or “Class C” adaptable standard to ensure it meets the needs of its future tenants.

A “Gold Class” or “Class C” standard ensures properties are built to cater for people of all ages and abilities, such as the provision of wheelchair access. 

Other elements include a kitchen and laundry to support ease of movement, a step-free entrance and easy-to-reach shelves, light switches and power points.

The new Dickson development is slated for completion by the middle of 2022.

“The development in Dickson continues the program’s focus of improving public housing through the renewal of older, less efficient homes and increasing the number of properties that are designed and built to provide more choice and meet the needs of more Canberrans,” said ACT minister for housing and suburban development Yvette Berry.

Now in its second year, the program aims to deliver 1200 homes –  building 200 new homes to increase the public housing portfolio and renewing more than 1000 older homes to improve the quality of life for tenants by 2024. 

This latest announcement came after the ACT government unveiled 20 new homes, also in Dickson, in February. The new public housing units, dubbed Turretfield, feature a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. 

“The Growing and Renewing Public Housing program is increasing the portfolio’s flexibility to support the provision of safe, secure and sustainable homes that are close to services and transport for more people in need, regardless of their abilities or circumstances,” Ms Berry said.