Merewether Street, Newcastle
Location
Newcastle, NSW
Partners
GWH, Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC), DPIE, Registered Aboriginal Parties, archeological consultants.
Homes
30 affordable homes (including specialist disability homes)
Finance
$16 million
Grants from HCCDC, debt funding from NHFIC and Evolve Housing equity
Timing
April 2019 – June 2020
Project summary
This mixed-use residential development in Newcastle CBD was delivered by Evolve Housing as both owner and developer, providing 30 affordable housing units to support key workers and contribute to the city’s economic sustainability. The project also includes purpose-built homes for people with disability, helping to address the shortage of accessible housing in the region.
The development comprises a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two buildings, including four units designed to the Improved Liveability standard under the Specialist Disability Accommodation framework. It also features communal rooftop terraces, three ground-floor commercial tenancies to activate the street frontage, and is located within walking distance of light rail services, the University of Newcastle, the Civic Cultural Precinct, and the Honeysuckle foreshore.
Outcomes
Sustainability
As owner and developer, Evolve Housing delivered much needed affordable housing and apartments designed especially for people with disabilities.Â
As well as consulting and collaborating with Registered Aboriginal Parties to understand the archaeology and aboriginal significance of this site, we also enabled placemaking through laneway activation with Newcastle Council to reinforce resident pride and support community connections. Â
Awards & Media
- 2021 Winner – Housing Industry Association – Affordable Housing of the Year Award Â
- 2021 Finalist – Urban Development Institute of Australia – Affordable DevelopmentÂ
- 2021 Finalist – Australiasian Housing Institute Brighter Future Awards – Leading Housing DevelopmentÂ