CONSTRUCTION of the initial 100 homes for Fortescue Metals Group Ltd has come to fruition with the signing of a Heads of Agreement with HFN Housing Group (HFN) to build high quality residential homes in South Hedland.
The next 150 homes are under detailed negotiation with HFN and other potential suppliers.
The building program is said to honour Fortescue’s commitment to ensuring it and its employees form an integral part of the communities they live and work in.
Under the Agreement, the homes will be built and leased back to Fortescue to be made available to its port and rail employees.
Fortescue said it aims to encourage and facilitate the outright sale of the houses to employees in a move to foster the sense of permanency in the community.
The company is planning construction completion by August 2008 with 250 houses in the Hedland area: 25 at Pretty Pool in Port Hedland, and 225 in South Hedland.
Fortescue is also investigating a housing program for its mine employees in Newman.
The homes have been designed to enhance the existing streetscape and the living comfort of the company’s employees and families, according to the company.
As well as improving community sustainability, says Fortescue, the homes have also been designed to advance environmental sustainability, through the adoption and installation of energy and water efficient designs and systems.
“An attractive external appearance has been designed along with high ceilings, alfresco areas, good internal and external storage, large internal living areas, efficient air conditioning, attractive kitchen and livings areas, and child safe design,” the company said.