Monday 25 June, 2012
Work will start later this week in Goodwin Street, Coledale, on a new Housing NSW residential subdivision which is part of strategy to provide more affordable housing in Tamworth
Tamworth Regional Council has been engaged by Housing NSW to project manage the civil and ancillary works for the new sub-division on the southern side of Coledale
Tamworth-based Keller Civil Engineering was awarded the contract, following a competitive tender and assessment process carried out in accordance with Council's tendering protocols
Housing NSW Area Director New England, Jeff Mills, said the project will create 10 new residential lots for sale to the private market and marks a first in the working relationship between Housing NSW and Tamworth Regional Council
'Funds for these works have been provided by the Land and Housing Corporation, working in conjunction with Tamworth Regional Council to carry out and supervise the works,' Mr Mills said
'This is the first time this type of partnership has occurred between the two parties and it is a very positive, co-operative and cost effective way of bringing about much needed change in a suburb that will greatly benefit from the new infrastructure.' Tamworth Regional Council Director Regional Services, Peter Resch, said Housing NSW's decision to commission Council to to manage the project was a strong recognition of the level of expertise among staff
'With the start of work today, Council engineers will carry out regular inspections to ensure the works meet the required standards,' he said
The work starting today involves the realignment of the Goodwin Street cul de sac, which runs off Warral Road in the southern part of Coledale, to create a through road to Kenny Drive and a new route into the southern part of the suburb. It will include street trees and a footpath
Mr Mills said the Goodwin Street project is a 'significant first step' in the Coledale Revitalisation Strategy and Urban Renewal Master Plan for Coledale which were adopted by Tamworth Regional Council in December 2011
'Land and Housing Corporation intends to sell all vacant land parcels in the area to the private market as part of the strategy and are currently selling existing housing in the suburb as a part of its revitalisation as a new and affordable housing area for young families wanting to make a start in the housing market,' he said
Tamworth Regional Council Specialist Engineer Bill Ash said Council has undertaken a letterbox drop of residents in and near Goodwin Street to advise them of the project
`The works program has been designed to ensure minimum disruption,' he said
The Goodwin Street sub-division is expected to be completed by the end of September
The Urban Renewal Master Plan for Coledale is a joint initiative between Tamworth Regional Council and Housing NSW. It is designed to enhance Coledale by creating quality streetscapes, building strong social cohesion within the community, creating a sense and pride of place amongst residents and providing a safe and secure environment through the implementation of environmental design measures as well as new infrastructure
The Master Plan is one of the key elements in a submission Tamworth Regional Council has lodged with the Federal Government for funding under its Building Better Regional Cities Program.