Curtin’s affordable housing project set for 2028
Artist’s impression of 54-unit complex
A new build-to-rent housing development in Curtin is set to be completed in the first half of 2028, offering relief to individuals and families struggling with rental affordability.
The 54-unit complex – a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes – will be built on church land on Strangways Street, adjacent to the Curtin shops.
Led by CatholicCare Marymead in collaboration with the ACT Government, the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn’s North Woden Parish, the project aims to provide affordable housing for those priced out of the local rental market.
“Affordable housing is for those earning between $50,000 and low $100,000s,”, Director of Strategic and Financial Projects Graeme Shearman said.
“Many people are being forced out of the suburbs due to rent costs – they are priced out and are not able to live close to where they work. Market rents would be unaffordable for them, and for some, severely unaffordable.”
Mr Shearman said rental stress was defined as spending more than 30% of household income on rent.
“We’re targeting essential workers – teachers, childcare workers, even baristas in local cafés – who often have to travel long distances to work,” he said.
“We have found a lot of people travelling up to an hour to get to where they work. This is trying to bring them in closer, which benefits everyone in the community because it is an influx of people in the working-age demographic, which will add to the local economy. It means Curtin will continue to thrive.”
A 55th unit in the complex will be dedicated to CatholicCare Marymead’s Social Impact Program, which Mr Shearman noted has already seen success at the Toolangi complex in Kaleen.
The program offers a holistic well-being approach that aims to build inclusive communities and enable social change through community engagement, connection, and tenancy support for all residents.
“This isn’t just a ‘build and forget’ project,” Mr Shearman explained.
“Through our Social Impact Program, tenants will receive ongoing support, ensuring this is more than just housing – it’s a community.”
The development will be built with sustainability in mind, featuring low-maintenance, environmentally friendly designs that complement the natural surroundings.
Mr Shearman said CatholicCare Marymead was already planning future housing projects, including a youth-focused initiative in Charnwood.
“This is very much towards our mission of using church assets, in particular church land in this respect, to make the most of it for the community. One of those missions is to help the most vulnerable in our community, so providing affordable housing in the midst of a housing crisis is something we can do,” he said.
“We hope to build tiny homes on church land in Charnwood to provide education, training, and employment opportunities for at-risk youth. Some of these young people are at risk of homelessness or have become disengaged from their families. This project will give them a chance to rebuild their lives and come back to the community.”