151 new Build-to-rent homes now underway for the Eastwood Community
Leading community housing provider Housing Choices South Australia (Housing Choices) has begun construction on Wirra Mikangka, a landmark development set to transform Eastwood’s housing landscape.
This mixed-tenure Build-to-rent project will deliver 151 modern, energy efficient apartments on the edge of Adelaide’s CBD, overlooking the scenic southeastern Park Lands. It is a major step forward in addressing South Australia’s housing needs and supports SA Housing Trust’s (SAHT) Our Housing Future 2020–2030 strategy.
Wirra Mikangka is made possible through a strong partnership funding model, combining support from the SAHT Capital Grant, grant and debt financing from Housing Australia’s National Housing Infrastructure Facility’s Social and Affordable Housing, the Social Housing Accelerator Payment, and equity investment from Housing Choices South Australia. This collaborative approach ensures the project delivers high-quality, sustainable homes for South Australians in the right locations with access to public transport, schools, hospitals and other essential services.
The $85 million build-to-rent project will feature a nine-storey and a five-storey building with shared spaces for residents, landscaped gardens and green areas to make the development feel welcoming for the residents.
Named Wirra Mikangka, Kaurna for “in front of the forest,” the project name was developed in consultation with Kaurna representatives reflecting Housing Choices’ commitment to honouring local Indigenous culture and creating a sense of place.
The site, formerly Park Court, will be transformed from aging walk-up flats demolished in 2023, into a high-quality, sustainable development designed by Adelaide firm JPE with specialist architect Hill Thalis. All apartments meet LHA Silver design standards and a minimum 7-Star energy rating, helping residents save on energy costs, while the ground floor will provide retail and hospitality spaces within the precinct.
Of the 151 apartments, 121 will be offered to people on low and moderate incomes including those on the SA Single Housing Register. 30 apartments will be available at market rent, making Wirra Mikangka one of South Australia’s largest integrated housing projects. Housing Choices will manage the homes under a 49-year Ground Lease model, ensuring residents have safe, secure, and well-supported places to live.
Leading South Australian builder Hindmarsh Construction Australia has been appointed to deliver the development which is expected to welcome residents in late 2027.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE
Mark Hayward, Executive Group Director Homes, Housing Choices Australia:
“The Wirra Mikangka development in Eastwood responds to an urgent need for affordable housing close to the Adelaide CBD.
“Housing Choices has a growing reputation of delivering and managing large Build-to-rent projects across Australia, and we are very excited about delivering our first in South Australia. It’s essential we build good quality housing close to the city, supporting people on low to moderate incomes to access stable homes near employment, services and life opportunities, and help create strong, diverse communities.
“This project has been made possible through the collaboration, support and contributions of our partners; with funding from SAHT and Housing Australia supplementing our own investment.”
“At Housing Choices, we are committed to building sustainable communities where people feel welcome, included and are able to thrive.”
Quotes from SA Minister for Housing, Nick Champion:
“Wirra Mikangka is an exciting development for South Australia. With so many rental apartments—most of them affordable located close to the CBD, it will help address housing affordability and provide high‑quality, safe and secure housing for some of our most vulnerable families.”
As well as developing homes and managing tenancies, Housing Choices SA connects residents with supports and develops placemaking strategies to build strong and healthy communities.
For media enquiries contact Preeti Daga, Group Communications Manager at [email protected]
Housing Choices Australia is a leading not for profit, registered, community housing provider, operating for over 15 years. It provides more than 7,600 homes for over 13,200 residents across Australia, with over 1,120 homes in South Australia including specialist homelessness services including Spence on Light and Common Ground as well as women crisis accommodation Catherine House and Nightingale Bowden.
