Released 01/09/2020
Canberra’s second Common Ground is another step closer with a local building company announced as the successful design and construct tenderer.
Following a public tender process earlier this year, Canberra company Richard Crookes Constructions, who has worked in the region for the past 12 years, has been engaged for the design and construction of Common Ground Dickson.
As our economy recovers from COVID-19 it is increasingly important to engage local firms and use local consultants, subcontractors and suppliers.
It is great to reach another milestone for this Common Ground project—a key commitment under the ACT Housing Strategy. The ACT Government, together with Common Ground Board, is getting on with the job to provide 40 more social and affordable homes for people in need.
Common Ground Dickson will see 40 social and affordable homes with a mix of one, two and three bedroom units available to provide long-term housing for people facing chronic homelessness, focusing on supporting women and children, families and single parents, and older women—growing cohorts in need of assistance.
Common Ground is different from traditional homelessness support services because it locates safe and secure accommodation alongside vital supports and services that help tenants break from the cycle of homelessness, stay housed, improve their connections to health, education and employment, and to live independently.
The construction of Common Ground Dickson will be another important part of the ACT’s Jobs and Recovery Plan, rebuilding our local economy from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting local jobs.
A good secure home is fundamental to so many parts of life. The Canberra community has always shown its willingness to give to the greater good and a key to the success of Common Ground Gungahlin was the positive community response in donations to get residents established. I hope that will be repeated in Dickson.
Construction will begin shortly and ready for tenants to move in by the end of 2021. A procurement process for the tenancy management and support provision components of Common Ground Dickson will be undertaken separately in 2021.
Quote attributable to Diane Kargas Bray AM, Fundraising & Philanthropy, Common Ground Board:
“We know the Common Ground model builds community, but it also takes a community to help it grow and flourish. We are looking forward to working with the local and wider Canberra community, schools and colleges, business and philanthropists to support some of the fit-out and future programs that will engage the residents and the community to continue to be involved.
“We are looking to explore future opportunities for a social enterprise café, art group and a community choir – all great ways for community engagement.”
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases
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