Contingent on planning approvals, the first new homes could be delivered in 36 months, helping meet the growing demands for housing on the Central Coast, which is forecast to grow to more than 404,250 people by 2041.
Strategically located between the Pacific Highway and Arizona Road, the Charmhaven neighbourhood will be a catalyst site for the Central Coast growth region, providing a range of affordable and sustainable housing options, connecting residents to existing centres, employment, transport networks, infrastructure, and amenities.
Around 60% of the site (120 ha) will be preserved in perpetuity as conservation land, including a wildlife corridor connecting nearby Lake Munmorah to the Watagan Mountains.
The Charmhaven Project is currently the biggest housing development planned for the Central Coast, and has the potential to meet almost a quarter of the NSW Government’s target of 9,400 new homes to be completed in the Region by 2029.
Third.i’s partnership with one of Australia’s largest community housing providers, Evolve Housing, will ensure that 10% of the development (200 homes) is dedicated as ‘affordable housing’ with local essential workers, including nurses, teachers, and allied care staff, given the opportunity to rent a new home at below-market rates.
“Third.i and our partners are delighted to be delivering this new master-planned community, helping address the chronic shortage of affordable new homes on the Central Coast,” said Florian Caillon, Third.i Head of Acquisitions.
“If approved, the rezoning will allow us to provide critical, enabling infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity, which will benefit the wider region – all at no cost to the NSW Government.
"We’re excited that we’ll be transforming what’s become a run-down, illegal waste dump, into 120 ha of green open space for the public.This will include new sporting fields, walking trails and cycleways – which we will be funding in perpetuity for future generations."
Working with builders
“We will be working with the region’s best builders and offering residents a variety of single-dwelling housing options, and we’re proud that 10% of the development has been committed to affordable housing, allowing eligible low to medium income workers in the area to rent a home at below market rents.”
The school will cater for 1,500 students from K-12 and will include administration buildings; new junior, middle and senior school facilities; sporting fields and indoor/outdoor courts and facilities; a performing arts centre; a chapel; and a Dynamic Alternative Learning Environment (DALE). The new business park in Charmhaven will create over 600 new operational jobs.
NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) General Secretary, Shaye Candish, said having secure housing close to the hospital was crucial for nurses and midwives who often worked unsocialable hours.
"Accessible and affordable housing for nurses and midwives on the Central Coast is greatly needed, as it is across the state," she said.
"Projects such as this, that target essential workers, help ensure our healthcare services can meet community needs. We welcome this approach to development as it helps to address the significant issue of ongoing access to well-staffed essential services for our communities.”
Health Services Union (HSU) NSW/ACT/QLD Assistant Secretary, Lauren Hutchens, added: "Our members keep our hospitals running day and night, but they are being pushed further and further away from their workplaces by skyrocketing housing costs on the Central Coast.
“From the admin teams managing patient records to the cleaners ensuring infection control, these essential workers simply can't afford to live near their workplaces anymore.
"That's why we're encouraged by developments that make affordable housing a priority. Having a significant number of homes reserved for essential workers means our members can live close to work, spend less time commuting, and more time with their families. It's these kinds of practical solutions that make a real difference in addressing the housing crisis facing our health workforce."
Mr Caillon, said that, contingent on planning approvals, the first homes in Charmhaven could be delivered in 36 months.
“Third.i is working closely with the Central Coast Council, NSW Government Agencies, Evolve Housing, key unions, stakeholders and the local community, to shape this Proposal. We are committed to creating a new, multi-faceted community which will provide a pipeline of affordable and sustainable housing, infrastructure and green open spaces for the fast-growing Central Coast,” he said.
About Third.i
Third.i is one of Australia’s leading property development and investment firms with an enviable track record in successfully delivering large-scale residential projects in Sydney and Newcastle. With a current development pipeline exceeding $4B, Third.i’s experience and drive to deliver architecturally inspired spaces are key reasons for their ongoing success. www.thirdigroup.com.au
