Ian Lynch (Pacific Link Housing CEO), Mark Glew (Pacific Link Housing Executive Manager, Property Development) and Cindy Butlin (Pacific Link Housing Executive Manager, Finance)

Central Coast based community housing provider, Pacific Link Housing, has taken out a prestigious national award for an affordable housing development. The Property Council of Australia’s Innovation & Excellence Award for the best Affordable Housing Development was received for ‘Pacific Gateway’, a 21-unit complex located in Glendale.

Pacific Gateway is a modern mixed-tenure development that marks a new milestone for innovation in affordable housing. In the words of Minister Pavey, “this is the most exciting development I’ve seen since being housing minister”.

The development was the first completed under the NSW Government’s Communities Plus Program, in which housing providers partner with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) to develop new housing. The partnership with the NSW Government, through the LAHC and Communities Plus, enabled the transformation of three end of life social housing properties, into an impressive and socially inclusive community, providing much needed accommodation for vulnerable community members.

Ian Lynch, CEO of Pacific Link Housing said that it was an honour to receive the Property Council of Australia Award as it demonstrates that we are not only increasing the amount of social and affordable housing stock for those in need, but also delivering quality developments, that are recognised at a national level.

“The Pacific Gateway development delivers an environmentally and financially sustainable complex with a strong sense of place, close to transport, employment, and community facilities. It’s a shining example of what can be achieved by partnering with all levels of government”.

On completion in December 2019, six units were bought back by the NSW Government at a discounted value, providing some de-risking of Pacific Link Housing’s capital investment. The National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) allowed Pacific Link Housing to restructure debt and retain 15 units for affordable and private rentals. These units were leased through Pacific Link Housing’s real estate agency, Key2 Realty.

Key2 Realty specialises in residential property management for landlords, with profits directed to Pacific Link Housing’s support programs. These programs provide vulnerable tenants with opportunities to receive education scholarships, learner driver lessons and participate in registered sports

Key2 Realty Business Manager, Ashleigh Williams, said that the Pacific Gateway listings received strong interest, that saw all units fully occupied within two weeks of release to market.

“The volume of interest reflects the dire shortage of affordable housing in the region. Pacific Gateway is unique as it provides housing options for a range of low to moderate-income households.”

The Property Council of Australia Award recognises the outstanding efforts of Pacific Link Housing, a community housing provider at the forefront of delivering innovative and affordable housing solutions for the region.

Pacific Gateway, winner of the Property Council of Australia’s Innovation & Excellence Award – Affordable Housing Category