THE DOORS have opened to a new social housing development for vulnerable seniors in Western Australia.
Stage two of the Bethanie Peel Community Housing development in Mandurah, designed to provide vital social housing for residents at risk of losing contact with their families and friends, was officially opened this month.
The development, funded in part by WA's social housing investment program, will provide 98 new apartments to seniors who can't afford private options.
The apartments are designed and built to be affordable to those who qualify for the aged pension, with their rental contribution at just 25 per cent of the pension.
The first stage of Bethanie Peel was completed in 2015 and consists of 96 apartments constructed in two, two-storey blocks.
The Bethanie Peel Stage II now represents the second stage of a new style of social housing for seniors.
"Many of the residents who will soon move in have never lived in a brand new home or owned their own home," said Bethanie chief of business development Rohan Taylor.
"Ultimately the reason why they are relying on the Department of Housing for their accommodation isn't important.
"To be able to altruistically provide this level of accommodation to Western Australians in need of some support is a wonderful outcome and Bethanie is very proud of that," he said.
WA Housing Minister Peter Tinley said as a society we should not discriminate on age "but we should have enough product to service an ageing population which we know is the demographic... that's in the private sector, right through to people in social housing who can't afford to house themselves," he told Fairfax Media.
A key benefit of the Bethanie Peel II initiative is to free up additional social housing to younger families on the waitlist.
The units will allow vulnerable seniors to downsize from current social housing, opening up larger homes for families waiting for a place to live.
Each apartment features wheelchair access, secure undercover parking and six-star energy rating. the complex includes a cafe and al fresco dining areas, children's playground, hairdressing salon, library, gymnasium, clubroom and mini golf and lawn bowls facilities.
There is also an aerobic and dance studio, medical consulting room, communal laundry and lounge/activities room.
Bethanie Peel is located in Coodanup, close to the Mandurah Forum Shopping Centre and the town's train station.
The site is solely managed by Bethanie for long-term operations.