Major revitalisation project to deliver 1,450 new homes at Seaton

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Seaton is set to undergo a once-in-a-generation transformation with the construction of 1,450 new homes and the revamp of hundreds of dated public housing stock across the western suburb.

A 38.5-hectare segment of Seaton’s north-west – bordered by Frederick Road, Glenburnie Street, West Lakes Boulevard and Tapleys Hill Road – will be the focus of a new master plan by Renewal SA, that will deliver hundreds of new affordable, social and market housing for home seekers and a more vibrant medium-density community for the long term.

Nearly 400 South Australian Housing Trust lots will be redeveloped as part of the suburb’s reimagining to allow for the creation of more fit-for-purpose public housing plus the construction of new housing, including approximately:

  • 513 affordable, market and public housing apartments, including 90 apartments to be managed by a Community Housing Provider
  • 530 townhouses
  • 410 single + semi-detached dwellings

Eager purchasers keen to buy into this exciting new community can so do from today, with the first 28 allotments within Stage 1 now on the market and offering a variety of housing options suitable for singles, couples and families. Pricing starts from $380,000 for land and $585,000 for a completed home.

The new community is targeted to deliver more than 15% affordable living through both rental and sales opportunities.

The current number of public houses will be retained in the final transformation and the South Australian Housing Trust will work with existing tenants to re-locate them to appropriate alternative accommodation. This process will occur in stages over the next 10 years. Tenants relocated in the latter stages may have the option to remain in the area by moving directly into newly completed homes within earlier stages.

Immediately affected tenants will be contacted by the South Australian Housing Trust this week.

Seaton residents will benefit from improved streetscapes and upgrades to public spaces, including new reserves and a substantially increased tree canopy to complement the existing green space at Pedlar Reserve. Much needed infrastructure upgrades will also be targeted.

Stage 1

Works are already underway on the 2.1-hectare first stage – bounded by Matthews Avenue in the north, Lark Avenue in the east, Glenburnie Street in the south and Frederick Road in the west – which will deliver the project’s first 137 dwellings. New, high-quality social housing will also form a key part of this initial stage, as will the inclusion of affordable apartments.

The new housing options include:

  • 31 South Australian Housing Trust homes (nine houses and 22 apartments), up from 16 in previous plans
  • at least 68 affordable homes (27 terraces and 41 apartments), up from 43 in previous plans
  • and at least 38 market homes (14 houses and 24 terraces)

Construction has also commenced on the first four social housing dwellings within Stage 1, with works to get underway shortly on the first affordable homes. The latter are expected to be complete and turn-key ready by the end of 2025.

Federal funding support has been sought for two apartment buildings proposed along Frederick Road. One is to be built, owned and operated by the South Australian Housing Trust and provide 22 public homes via Social Housing Accelerator funding. Renewal SA will seek a Community Housing Provider partner to own and manage the delivery and ongoing management of the second building, with assistance from the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) – a federal government initiative supporting the fast-tracked delivery of more affordable housing.

Subsequent stages of the broader Seaton project will be delivered via a rolling program starting in 2025, to bring a consistent supply of new allotments to market across the life of the project. Dwellings will be ready for residents to move into roughly 12 months after their construction begins.

The local community will have the opportunity to view and provide feedback on the project’s master plan and public open spaces, building on previous engagement conducted as part of the state government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Program. This engagement will commence at the end of June.

Renewal SA Chief Executive Chris Menz said the master plan would deliver improved housing and lifestyle outcomes for all segments of the market.

“It’s not often that you get an opportunity to give a suburb such a dramatic revitalisation and in such a co-ordinated way,” Mr Menz said.

“Strategically redeveloping this government land provides a real opportunity to make wholesale improvements to the Seaton area by not only providing more housing but more fit-for-purpose housing which delivers a greater sense of connection and belonging for residents.

“The Seaton project will demonstrate the importance of urban renewal and the significant opportunities and impact that can be created for a community socially, economically and environmentally through improved housing choices and infrastructure, and greater integration with open spaces and neighbourhood amenities.”

South Australian Housing Trust Chief Executive Michael Buchan said the revitalisation and property mix would provide tenants with more housing options to choose from.

“Traditionally, our homes are older post-war homes that have three bedrooms and are on large blocks, and we don’t have a lot of differing stock to give our tenants much of a choice. Our senior tenants, many of whom are single households, are looking for smaller properties that are easier to maintain and better suit their needs,” Mr Buchan said.

“These new properties, particularly the apartments, will provide secure Authority-owned rental homes that enable them to downsize their properties. In recent years, we have built smaller properties, as well larger homes, and the improved options have been very well received by our tenants.” For further information about the Seaton renewal project and to be notified of upcoming sales releases visit seaton5023.com.au