UPDATE: The plan would see Dave Taylor Park in Pioneer transformed into the Griffin Green housing project. PHOTO: Griffith City Council
After over a year of rejigging details and updating layouts, the final plan for the multi-million dollar affordable housing project in south Griffith has been submitted.
If approved, the plan will see Dave Taylor Park transformed to include 35 lots for dwellings, space for a new community centre, a basketball court, playground equipment, and 4600 square metres of open green space.
The proposal also includes the construction of a new road connecting Thomas Place and Heath Crescent and an extension to Snaith Place.
The newly-submitted plan is a big contrast to previously-suggested versions of the Griffin Green housing project, which included different road plans and a street encircling the green space.
These plans were criticised by local residents, who felt it took away too much open space and hid the children’s play area away from the rest of the community.
Justin Nyholm is the acting CEO of Argyle Housing, who are coordinating the Griffin Green Housing Project alongside Griffith City Council.
Mr Nyholm said the new plan is the product of months of working with the community to come up with an outcome everyone is happy with.
“The plan submitted in the recent development application has been a culmination of a thorough consultation process with stakeholders and provides for the needs of the community and those outlined in the Griffith City Council housing strategy,” Mr Nyholm said.
CHANGES: The previous plan for the Griffin Green housing project (left) differs significantly to the new plan (right). PHOTOS: Griffith City Council
“The creation of a beautiful green space that is accessible for everyone, with new playground equipment, a basketball court and community hub are the highlights of the plan.
“This clearly responds to the feedback received through the community consultation process.”
Pioneer resident Leonie Kawelmacher said the new plan did solve some of the issues herself and others had, but called for clearer communication with the local community.
“It does address our concerns which is good,” Ms Kawelmacher said.
“But no one has told us and we haven’t known what has been going on with it.”
The updated plan was included in the recent development application submitted by Griffith City Council.
At this week’s council meeting the DA was referred to the Western Regional Planning Panel, who will have the final say on whether or not it is approved.
Council has already begun preparating some parts of Dave Taylor Park for the housing project.