“West End Living” project to support people with disabilities

Geraldton Guardian
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Campbell Homes is constructing a cluster of purpose-built villas for people living with disabilities in Beachlands in Geraldton.

West End Living features six homes that can accommodate up to 14 residents on Burges Street.

They are said to have a range of supportive features including adjustable height benchtops, a video intercom system and raised garden beds for wheelchair use.

Features are also to include motorised door openers, motorised blinds and emergency back-up power to prevent outages from affecting important medical equipment.

Affordable housing provider WAI Group, Activ, Community Housing Ltd and Campbell Homes partnered to deliver these homes, to be built in accordance with new NDIS guidelines.

WAI Group managing director Paul Stanley said the villas would increase a sense of community in Geraldton.

“The homes are designed to enhance quality of life and maximise independence for people with additional support needs,” he said.

Activ customer operations manager — Mid West Louise Robertson said the project would be unique and showcase Geraldton as a great place to live.

“Although some accessible housing is available in Geraldton, it’s limited and there has never been opportunity to provide a range of supports,” Ms Robertson said.

Campbell Homes registered builder Aaron Campbell said the villas would provide first-class living standards.

Community Housing WA representatives Fleur Jackson and Garry Ellender both agreed the villas would help fill a gap in the housing market and the construction and furnishing would immediately create local jobs and stimulate retail.

The West End Living project, being the first Specialist Disability Accommodation project in Geraldton, should also trigger interest from other investors and developers as the project demonstrates economic, social and community benefits,” Mr Ellender said.

“Typically Perth is the primary market for property investors in WA, however the SDA incentives provide regional weightings to make places like Geraldton an attractive opportunity.”

Building has commenced and is expected to be finished in February, 2021.