Village Homes Realty
Sustainable Settlements and Perron Developments, the team behind the unique Witchcliffe Ecovillage, was thrilled to win two awards for ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Affordable Housing’ and be a Finalist for ‘Masterplanned Communities’ at the prestigious Urban Development Institute of Australia WA (UDIA WA) Awards For Excellence on 16 September 2023.
Up against the best examples of urban development in the State at the industry’s gala event, the Witchcliffe Ecovillage was lauded for its comprehensive delivery of sustainability principles across the project in areas such as renewable energy, fresh food production, water self-sufficiency, conservation and waste management.
In a housing market under immense pressure, the Ecovillage was also recognised for its efforts in tackling housing affordability through the creation of “Groupie” lots, which have a lower price point and maximum 100sqm build sizes. Financial eligibility criteria are set on these lots to ensure they are available exclusively to people who meet this lower income threshold.
“It means a lot to us to be recognised amongst all of our peers,” said Sustainable Settlements Director Mike Hulme who dedicated the Affordable Housing award to his mentor and joint venture development partner, Stan Perron.
Now officially recognised as the most sustainable project in the State, the Witchcliffe Ecovillage developers are looking forward to presenting this unique and innovative project to the rest of Australia at the UDIA National Congress in March 2024.
After nearly 14 years in development, the project has weathered its fair share of storms. Following years of planning approval delays to launching sales during Covid, and amidst ongoing state-wide energy infrastructure issues that block our ability to turn on our renewable energy systems, it is gratifying to be held up as a model development for the industry.
The Ecovillage team is currently selling its final stage of residential lots and is starting to turn its attention back to development of the highly anticipated public realm surrounding Wolghine Square and linking into Witchcliffe’s main street.
