The completion of Northsea overlooking the ocean in the Wollongong CBD provides proof that innovation and bold vision can provide a solution to the nation’s housing crisis.

Northsea is the first building in Australia to combine private, social and affordable housing with no segregation of lifts, lobbies and shared resident facilities, a concept that challenges the stigma often associated with community housing.

A partnership between national property and construction group Traders In Purple, Homes NSW and community housing provider Housing Trust, all 38 private homes were sold prior to completion with residents now moving in.

The 19 social and affordable apartments are in the process of being leased by Housing Trust, providing new homes for the ever-growing number of low-income households and key workers struggling to pay rent.

Member for Wollongong and NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, noting that the supply of new homes was a NSW Government priority.

Mr Scully said that alongside more market homes the Minns Government was making the largest investment in social housing by any NSW Government while including affordable housing as part of major rezonings.

“For the first time ever, the Minns Government introduced requirements for affordable housing in its Transport Oriented Development Program and that affordable housing needs to be held in perpetuity.

“This requirement works alongside our infill affordable housing bonus scheme which has generated considerable interest in Wollongong and across NSW. Together these will deliver a mix of social, affordable and market housing which will not only help address housing pressures but also help to create diverse and vibrant communities.”

Traders In Purple Director Charles Daoud said Northsea aligns with the company’s development model of quality coastal apartments and its belief that creating beautiful homes with purpose delivers wide-ranging benefits that extend to the local economy and broader community.

“Addressing housing supply is important, but housing those whose need is greatest, is critical,” said Mr Daoud.

“Prior to launching this project there was a fear that misconceptions around community housing would affect sales but our efforts to educate and break down those barriers delivered a sell-out before construction completion at market prices.

“That is a lesson we hope the property industry takes to heart. Northsea is a blueprint for how we develop diverse neighbourhoods. A diverse community is a stronger community, where the experience of living side by side without barriers helps to build empathy and social cohesion.

“Buyers take confidence from the involvement of three trusted entities – Traders In Purple, Homes NSW and Housing Trust – and the design, quality and material resilience required to meet government benchmarks.

“Northsea is a building that is desirable for many reasons, not least the spectacular views, proximity to beaches and other amenity. We are proud that it will also give hope to those locked out of the private rental market by cost or circumstance.

“I’ve been told that Northsea is one of the best looking buildings in Wollongong. Everybody who lives there will have good reason to proudly call it their home.

“From the moment we commenced the partnership with Homes NSW and Housing Trust to create Northsea we were determined to show that the mixed tenure model of housing can be feasible and deliver a significant social return.”

Homes NSW CEO Rebecca Pinkstone commended the project partners for their efforts in tackling the housing crisis.

“The scale of the challenge to resolve the housing crisis across the state is massive and the need for more social, affordable, and private homes has never been greater,” said Ms Pinkstone.

“This project ticks all the boxes and demonstrates the importance of partnerships in tackling the housing crisis. It is an example of what can be achieved when the state government works together with developers like Traders In Purple and community housing providers such as Housing Trust.

“Mixed tenure developments like this one, with both social and private homes support vibrant and diverse communities. The success of the project demonstrates that there are many people in our community that value this diversity.”

Housing Trust CEO Amanda Winks said the need for social and affordable housing in the Illawarra had never been more urgent, with thousands of applicants on waiting lists.

“Northsea breaks the mould with its innovative design and creation of a vibrant and diverse community through the mix of social, affordable and private market homes, in an incredible location which provides residents easy access to everything they need from school and work, services and shops,” said Ms Winks.

“Northsea is a true landmark and exemplar of what’s needed to create a thriving, sustainable community where everyone can contribute, with the safety and security of an affordable home. We are excited to showcase this development as the perfect example of what can be achieved through shared vision and collaboration.”

Read more on ABC News.