The ACT government is calling on generous Canberra builders, businesses and community groups to have a hand in creating Dickson's Common Ground housing project.
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The territory's second iteration of the housing model, after Gungahlin, would take up vacant blocks in the suburb's section 72; bound by Hawdon Place and Dumaresq Street.
It would consist of 40 affordable and social housing units with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts. The project is targeted at people facing chronic homelessness - particularly women, families and children - and would also host a cafe, communal green space and social services.
The ACT government set aside $2.4 million in the June budget for it to be built.
"Common Ground is about more than just putting a roof over someone's head, it is about building community and building real support for people in need," ACT Housing Minister Yvette Berry said.
"The Canberra community has always shown its willingness to give to the greater good and a key to the success of Common Ground Gungahlin was the positive community response.
"I hope that will be repeated in Dickson."
The development of the Gungahlin site saw tradespeople, decorators, landscape gardeners, and businesses including IKEA and Canberra's Domayne chip in to get it established.
The Dickson project aims to build on its success, with data showing 50 per cent of the first ACT Common Ground tenants got a job or education and training, and 40 per cent used case management.
For construction on the Dickson complex to start, the site's zoning would have to be altered in the Territory Plan to account for social housing. Pre-development application public consultation is open from Thursday to get Canberrans' feedback on the matter, but Minister for Urban Renewal, Rachel Stephen-Smith, said the site's design is inline with what the community wants.
"[Common Ground Dickson] comprises primarily low to medium-rise elements of up to four stories," she said.
"[It] has been designed to integrate into a broader redevelopment of section 72, creating a safe and inviting environment and improving access and amenity for pedestrians and cyclists."
The consultation process for the Dickson site comes about two months since a territory government-commissioned study supported the introduction of a second Common Ground complex in Canberra.
The housing model originated in New York in the 1990s, and sees complexes generally consist of 20 units for people experiencing homelessness, and a further 20 for affordable housing.
Common Ground chair Diane Kargas said she was delighted to see the ACT government commit to a second complex based on the model.
"I think it is also a commitment of the Gungahlin community who has supported and welcomed the residents," she said.
"This is a new opportunity for homeless individuals and families as well as low income earners to grow and flourish."