Why rebuild as opposed to renovate the houses on the Block?
A. Although there are several reasons the AHC has chosen to rebuild rather than renovate the most important one is to bring the existing properties to a high standard would require a complete restoration including structural improvements, not just cosmetic renovation, which would cost much more that rebuilding. A facilities assessment has revealed that it is more cost effective to demolish and start again rather than renovate the old structures. Anything less than a total rebuild would be a band-aid solution only. Also, the current terraces are inappropriate housing for Aboriginal families, the properties are narrow, damp and generally claustrophobic, this being a contributing factor to poor health and some of the general social problems witnessed on the Block. Finally, the rebuild option allows the opportunity to restructure the whole redevelopment area. The new design will do away with the row terracing configuration in favour of a layout which eliminates lane ways and other hidden a
