Kalgoorlie $140m Modular Workers Village Approved

A modular village aimed at housing essential workers and easing regional Western Australian housing pressures has been greenlit by the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Council. 

The project in the state’s central south drew 89 objections. It will now go to the Joint Development Application Panel in Perth for its final hurdle. 

The plans for the 16ha inland site at Hart Kerspian Drive, Broadwood, comprise 393 new modular homes, with up to 100 modular homes to be delivered in the first stage in the next 18 months. It also includes a caretaker’s residence, communal facilities and a pool. 

A report to the council indicated there would be a shortfall of 4000 homes in the next decade, with a current gap of 168 homes. 

The development would be delivered by M Group, a Western Australia-based developer that has delivered housing estates in other parts of the state. 

Mayor Glenn Wilson said the proposed development was aimed at ensuring accommodation for essential workers such as teachers, nurses, doctors and police.

“We envisage that this much-needed development will assist with alleviating the pressures of the current accommodation shortage by providing fast availability of housing,” he said.

“We received 89 submissions during the public consultation period and whilst we have read and appreciate the concerns raised, council voted to endorse the proposal to ensure more housing is made available to sustain the growing needs of our city.

“Overall this development proposal aligns with our vision for securing a sustainable community into the future and we will work closely with JDAP, pending their decision, to ensure a responsible and beneficial outcome for all stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, RobertsDay on behalf of DevelopmentWA won a two-year extension on a proposed affordable build-to-rent tower on the northern side of Lot 52, 195 Pier Street, in August of 2023, and filed a new plan for the site ahead of Christmas. 

▲ The Klopper Davis-designed tower would be DevelopmentWA's first build-to-rent project.

The Klopper Davis-designed 27-storey tower was approved in 2019 but work had not yet begun on the site, which was to be project-managed by Peet.

According to DevelopmentWA, the approved tower would comprise 66 social housing apartments alongside affordable, disability and market rentals. 

A request for proposal process closed in June 2023, with four proposals received from community housing providers interested in owning and operating the facility. 

It was unclear whether the new development application for 219 apartments in a mixed-use tower was a fresh plan for the northern portion of the site, or a development of the vacant southern end. 

The Urban Developer understands the state government had intended to subdivide the site to create a 1841sq m site for a Stage 2 future development.