Mayor Jacinta Ermacora said the new units would add to the affordable accommodation choices in Warrnambool.
A HOUSING project involving 16 single-storey units has been welcomed as a solution to Warrnambool’s shortage of low-cost housing.
Warrnambool City Council this week unanimously approved a development plan for vacant land in the centre of a block off Hopetoun Road and Crawley Street.
The site, which is to the east of an existing block of flats on the eastern side of Hopetoun Road, abuts Mercy Place aged care centre and Emmanuel College.
Mayor Jacinta Ermacora said although she was not impressed by the units’ design, they would add to the affordable accommodation choices in Warrnambool.
“They are 1970s-80s style, but they will meet all current standards and will be good build quality,” she said.
“Based on aesthetics I don’t think they are very pretty, but they add to housing choice.”
Cr Rob Askew said they would be constructed with double-block walls and be thermally efficient.
“It’s a continuation of the existing development and meets the need for more affordable housing,” he said.
“During the past 20 years or so they have had a 90 per cent occupancy rate and the site is well maintained.”
Cr John Harris also said the new units would improve choice for people on low to medium incomes.
“We are fortunate to have developers take on this type of construction,” he said.
Cr Andrew Fawcett said more infill development was needed to utilise existing city infrastructure.