Minister for Disability Services Ray Williams today announced construction of 69 new homes for people with disability living in the Hunter Residences will commence imminently.

“I’m thrilled to give more than 330 residents the good news that their new homes are one step closer to becoming a reality,” Mr Williams said.

The Home4Life consortium has been selected to build and manage the homes, comprising Compass Housing, BlueCHP and Lighthouse Infrastructure.

Charles Northcote, Director Home4Life, said he was pleased to welcome Lighthouse Infrastructure to the consortium, which focuses on sustainable infrastructure investment.

“Lighthouse Infrastructure invests in sustainable infrastructure assets, and strongly believes in environmental sensitivity and social responsibility, investing in assets which provide essential services to communities and contribute to the public good,’’ Mr Northcote said.

“All new Hunter Residences dwellings have been designed by expert architects for contemporary, community living and will be in accordance with the standards of disability housing set by the NSW Government and the NDIS.”

Mr Williams said all people living in the Hunter Residences and their families will participate in detailed planning to prepare to move into their new homes.

“We have listened to what residents and their families want every step of the way in the redevelopment process,” Mr Williams said.

“Residents have told us where they want to live and many have taken this opportunity to move into a new home in other parts of NSW, closer to their families.

“I want to assure residents our top priority is their safe and smooth transition to community living.”

A select tender process for a Supported Independent Living (SIL) service provider will commence later this year, with families having the opportunity to meet with potential providers before a decision is made.