Tasmania is progressing with the construction on a five-storey, AU$16.71 million social housing development in North Hobart, with the completion of the podium slab scheduled for September.
The project will deliver 38 self-contained studio apartments for women aged 55 and over who are homeless or at risk of housing insecurity.
Built by Vos Construction, the development is being delivered by the St Vincent de Paul Society and Housing Australia, with statutory oversight provided by Homes Tasmania.
Funding for the inner-city build combines AU$13.36 million from the federal government’s AU$2 billion Social Housing Accelerator Payment (SHAP), AU$2.65 million from Housing Australia, and AU$700,000 from the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Each unit will feature a private kitchen, bathroom, and balcony, complemented by shared communal spaces, a vertical garden, and on-site parking.
The initiative forms part of Tasmania’s commitment to construct 128 new social homes across the state under the SHAP initiative by 2028.
“Every Tasmanian deserves a safe and secure place to call home, and this development delivered by Vos Construction will provide 38 new homes for women who need that security,” said Minister for Housing Kerry Vincent.
“Delivering housing on a constrained inner-city site requires careful staging, site preparation and coordination to ensure the project is set up for successful delivery, I’m glad to see those works underway.”
Federal Member for Franklin Julie Collins noted the presence of construction equipment on site sent a clear message regarding state and federal commitments to addressing systemic housing stress.
St Vincent de Paul Society CEO Connie Digolis said that women over 55 represent a rapidly growing demographic facing housing vulnerability due to systemic pay gaps, career breaks for family care, and unexpected life changes like relationship breakdowns.
“This development is about much more than building new homes, it is about providing safety, security and dignity for older women,” Digolis said.
“We want these women to have more than a roof over their heads, we want them to have a home where they feel safe, connected and secure, and where they can live with the dignity they deserve.
Final completion and tenancy intake for the Argyle Street project are targeted for late 2027.
