Housing Plus is breaking new ground and not just with help from Twice Around Demolition.
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A derelict home is being demolished to make room for four units specially designed for people with a disability, supported by a carer, in Bletchington Street.
“I believe it will be one of the first homes of its type in Orange,” Housing Plus CEO David Fisher said.
The accommodation for people with disabilities will be linked to a carer’s residence, allowing them to call on extra help if they need it.
“There’s one carer for the whole complex. It’s flexible support, some people will need support at night and others during the day,” Mr Fisher said.
Mr Fisher said the support people needed could be complex, or as basic as helping someone get out of bed.
He said the units will be “future-proofed” and able to change as residents’ needs required.
To begin with the units will be level, feature wide doorways as well as capacity to install automatic doors or bed-hoists.
“Even the height of the light switches will be installed with residents in mind,” Mr Fisher said.
Housing Plus is one of the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s disability accommodation providers and Mr Fisher said the federal government was supporting the project.
“It will look a lot like a normal house, but it’s the fine details of the finishes that make it consistent and comfortable for people with a disability,” Mr Fisher said.
“It will have all the comforts that a purpose-built home for people with a disability can provide.”
Mr Fisher said Housing Plus provided affordable accommodation for people on low-incomes, elderly residents, as well services for homeless people and those escaping domestic violence.
Mr Van Gestel said it wasn’t the first time working with Housing Plus.
“It’s good to be involved with a project which will benefit the community,” Mr Van Gestel said.
“It’s not just going to lead to a new house, but provide speciality accommodation.”
He said the site would for the units would be cleared in 14 days with at least 70 per cent of the previous property being recycled.
The concrete and bricks will be crushed to be re-used, while copper and steel will go to scrap metal and depending on the condition and type of wood – it will also be recycled.
The units are expected to be completed around August next year.
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
