Key2 Realty Partnership Benefits Landlord and the Community
Key2 Realty has facilitated an innovative partnership to increase the supply of affordable accommodation for older women on the Central Coast.
The property, named Allawah House, will provide 14 studio units for older women at risk of homelessness or experiencing domestic and family violence. It is an example of a ‘meanwhile use’ project, an innovative housing model that utilises a vacant property that may be earmarked for future redevelopment, for the purpose of providing a social benefit.
Local developer, BEA Projects purchased the property in 2021 and has made it available temporarily and at low cost, for the purpose of providing affordable housing.
A Director of BEA Projects, Laurie Elliss, said “We are extremely pleased to be able to utilise our site in the short to medium term, to the benefit of the local community whilst future planning is contemplated”.
Larissa Llowarch, Business Manager of Key2 Realty, said that the ‘meanwhile use’ partnership arose thanks to the growing number of relationships between Key2 Realty and local property developers with an ethical approach.
“Allawah House provides a positive outcome for the landlord who has avoided a property sitting vacant unnecessarily whilst commencing redevelopment considerations and planning, thus providing security for the property and a rental stream that offsets holding costs. The partnership also involves Pacific Link Housing who will manage the tenancy and Women’s Community Shelters who will provide case management support to Allawah House residents," Larissa Llowarch said.
Pacific Link Housing CEO, Ian Lynch said the provision of affordable housing solutions benefits all of community, and needs innovative, community inclusive responses.
“We are proud to partner with like-minded organisations who are willing to take an innovative approach, to provide solutions, and in this instance, to older women at risk of homelessness or escaping domestic violence,” Ian Lynch said.
Allawah House also received support from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice who provided funding to bring the 14 studio units up to standard.
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said, “The site comprising of an empty aged care facility had been sold with no immediate plans to redevelop, so rather than let the space lay unused, the site was repurposed for use by women aged 55-years and older who were escaping domestic and family violence or who were at risk of homelessness,” Mrs Ward said.
Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the initiative represented a compassionate, innovative and sensible use of a space that would otherwise be left vacant.
“This initiative is a great example of how unutilised private buildings can be put to good use to benefit vulnerable people at risk of homelessness and provide DFV escapees with a safe place to heal as they begin to rebuild their lives,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
The name Allawah comes from an Aboriginal term meaning 'make your abode here' or 'remain here'
Pictured: Wal Edgell (PLH Chairman), Minister Natalie Ward, Minister Natasha Maclaren-Jones, Adam Crouch MP, Annabelle Daniel OAM (WCS CEO), Simone Parsons (WCS COO), Simon Wade (PLH Executive Manager Tenancy and Support Services)