A three storey residential complex made from shipping containers could be built in Mandurah in what Council says would be a first for WA to break the cycle of homelessness and provide a pathway to home ownership.
The City of Mandurah is supporting the affordable housing proposal to use shipping containers to build a three level residential unit complex in Peel Street.
An in-principle agreement has been reached to lease land in Peel Street and put together a business case together for the construction of up to 26 one and two bedroom units.
CEO of WestAus Crisis and Welfare Services and Mandurah Councillor Lynn Rogers said sea container homes would already be fitted out and you can add to them as you go.
"We need to look out at different types of housing models to address housing affordability.
"A single apartment fitted out with a kitchen and shower would cost around $30,000."
According to a report presented to council, every unit will have a balcony while the development will also include an extensive green roof that will serve as a recreation area to all residents.
"The complex will reach a six star rating including solar installations, recycled grey water and internal lighting provided through optical fibre technology.
"The benefit of this design is that at the end of the lease term the housing units can be removed and a vacant land site returned to the City."
The City of Mandurah is now looking to partner with a local engineering group to develop a model that could potentially be rolled out nationally.
Part of the Sustainable Social Housing project would provide full time jobs for each resident of the housing complex.
Councillor Rogers said it's not just tied to affordable housing but also providing training and employment for people that would live in these container homes.
"As far as we're aware, this project would be the first of its type in WA."
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