Four years overdue: The $4m social housing project left half-built

The City of Perth has a severe social housing crisis, with thousands struggling to find a place to call home. Amidst this chaos, a $4 million project in Hilton has been left half-built for four years. Initially planned to be completed in 2022, the 14 homes designed by Bernard Seeber Architects finally saw construction begin on six of them last year.

The delays and mismanagement of this project are staggering. WA Greens leader Brad Pettitt has expressed frustration with the state government’s inability to deliver on its promises. “There should be two families living in these homes now,” he said, but instead, the properties remain empty. The situation is not only disappointing but also a stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing Perth’s housing market.

Over $4 million has been spent on this project so far, with no tangible results to show for it. Pettitt pointed out that if the project had been completed on time, the homes would have been inhabited and delivered at a much lower cost. Now, the government faces the prospect of completing the project at an even higher expense.

The fact that multiple builders entered into liquidation during this process has only added to the sense of futility surrounding this project. Jaguar Constructions currently holds the contract for the homes but has been unable to work on site since December. The company claims it is ready to finish the project, albeit on a slim profit margin, but is waiting for the state government’s green light.

Hilton residents are understandably frustrated with the situation. They have watched as their neighbors’ homes have remained unfinished while they themselves struggle to find affordable housing options. As one resident, Rocky Terry, put it, “It’s just totally ridiculous with the housing crisis that we haven’t got people in them.” His words highlight the human cost of this bureaucratic failure.

The project’s architect, Georgina Willis, has expressed her desire to see the homes completed, regardless of who takes on the task. She sees the dwellings as an opportunity to create new infill density for rear strata lots at an affordable price. However, it remains to be seen whether the state government will finally take decisive action to complete this project.

The fact that Housing and Works Minister John Carey has confirmed eight of the 14 homes were delivered under a new builder using a design and construct model raises more questions than answers. What is clear, however, is that Perth’s social housing crisis requires a comprehensive solution rather than piecemeal fixes.

Premier Roger Cook noted that there could be “a range of reasons why a property might be vacant,” but the reality is that this project has been mired in delays and mismanagement for far too long. The people of Perth deserve better, and it’s time for the state government to take responsibility for its actions and finally complete these homes.

The completion of these social housing units will not only provide much-needed affordable housing options for vulnerable individuals but also serve as a symbol of the government’s commitment to addressing the city’s housing crisis. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people they serve.