The Housing Authority’s New North project, delivered in partnership with Satterley Property Group/McCusker Land Holdings, has reached its close after 18 years of activity that has seen it recognised as one of the largest, most successful urban renewal projects ever undertaken in Australia.
Commencing in 1998, The New North project set out to transform the suburbs of Balga, Girrawheen, Koondoola and Westminster into more attractive locations to live. While in close proximity to the city and main transport routes, these suburbs in Perth's northern corridor were typically viewed as run-down areas with high crime rates and social problems.
The New North has changed the face of these suburbs through an ambitious refurbishment program which saw thousands of run-down houses, flats and townhouses transformed into attractive homes, vastly improving the overall look and feel of the area.
In turn, the beautification of the area and significant infrastructure enhancements has encouraged community investment and magnified rates of home ownership. The transformation has also seen property values vastly increase, while social problems in the area have greatly declined.
The New North has attracted 15 awards for excellence in urban renewal and has set the standard for future urban renewal projects across Australia. This year the project was awarded its fourth Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) State Award for Excellence in the Urban Renewal category.
To mark the completion of this remarkable project, a celebration event was held on Thursday 1 September at the June Copley Community Centre in Balga. The Hon. Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC, Parliamentary Secretary Colin Holt, Satterley General Manager Kim Lawrance and Housing Authority General Manager Commercial Operations Nigel Hindmarsh were pleased to celebrate the successful completion of the project with key stakeholders and members of the local community.
A Koondoola property prior to The New North
The same property after refurbishment
A Reflection Book has been published to celebrate the remarkable achievements of The New North.
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