Construction of a 16-unit social and affordable housing complex in Wickham is surging ahead with the “topping out” milestone celebrated today.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the project would provide safe and secure housing for people on low incomes.

“These new homes will not only provide people with a roof over their head, but access to support to help them improve their health and general wellbeing,” Mr Ward said.

“Today’s milestone brings the completion of this important project one step closer, with the first tenants expected to get the keys to their new homes later this year.”

The 16-unit complex is a partnership between the NSW Government, City of Newcastle, and Compass Housing.

Compass Housing chief corporate services officer Lyndall Robertshaw said Compass is delivering nearly 500 properties, across 19 Hunter and Central Coast sites, as part of the NSW Government’s Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF).

“Rents have been rising sharply across the Hunter over the past 12 months and the need for properties that are affordable to key workers and people on low incomes is greater than ever,” she said.

“Projects like this one show what’s possible when different levels of government work together and leverage the know-how of the community housing sector.”

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the initiative would help alleviate housing stress and provide more options for vulnerable people.

“This joint venture means more homes close to transport, jobs and other amenities and will ensure greater diversity of residents in our inner-city community,” Cr Nelmes said.

The SAHF is on track to deliver more than 3,400 homes across NSW, with 1,958 dwellings completed and more than 1,000 under construction.