Local builders benefit from Social Housing Initiative

The City of Monash has one of the highest levels of demand for affordable housing in Victoria, with the majority of demand for one and two-bedroom units.

The Nation Building-Economic Stimulus Plan is easing this demand with 33 one-bedroom units and 15 two bedroom units to be built in the area under the Social Housing Initiative.

Holden Peel Builders a family-run, Oakleigh-based business is building the 48 affordable rental properties.

This time last year, Holden Peel Builders had no work booked for the year ahead. Now, thanks in part to a local Social Housing Initiative project they have work locked in for the next 18-months.

“‘I was asking myself, ’where’s the work going to come from?” company director Mick Holden said

“Because of this project, instead of laying blokes off we’re putting on two new apprentices.”

Holden Peel has a history of training young carpenters and plumbers, employing 12 apprentices over its 25-year history.

“All the guys that work for us are from the local area,” says Mr Holden.

”I’ve seen all these guys grow up since they were five years old. I coached the local footy team, Oakleigh Amateurs, and they were the ones who were at training at five o’clock in the rain when only a handful of players showed up”.

”I had no hesitation in giving them a job when they were looking to finish their apprenticeship. Now they’re the ones who are at work at seven in the morning. If I ask them to stay back for a concrete pour there’s never any problem,” Mr Holden explained.

“If you believed the press, last year it was financial Armageddon,” said Mr Holden.

“Now developers feel good and banks are lending money again. A project we had that was frozen last year has now got the go ahead.”

The Social Housing project will provide homes for elderly residents from the area who are struggling to find housing in a tight market.

The building will have a six-star energy rating and feature mobility scooter parking and charging bays, bike racks, external clothes drying areas, adjustable sun awnings and solar-boosted hot water to help reduce energy bills for tenants.

There will be a large common recreation room on the ground floor and all apartments will have landscaped balconies or courtyards.

More In Focus articles