Hall & Wilcox lead advisor on Queensland’s largest social and affordable housing project

Hall & Wilcox has advised the successful consortium led by Tetris Capital and Community Housing Limited (CHL) on the development and management of Queensland’s largest social and affordable housing project, which will deliver 490 new homes in Cairns. 

The project, primarily funded by the Miles Government under the Queensland Housing Investment Fund and supported by financing from the Albanese Government – including from the North Australian Infrastructure Facility – will transform a former drive-in cinema in Woree into a master-planned community featuring 245 social, 223 affordable and 22 specialist disability apartments. Designed to support older Queenslanders and people living with disabilities, the precinct will offer modern, low-maintenance and energy-efficient homes with access to community amenities. 

Tetris Capital and CHL are collaborating to deliver and manage the homes, with construction to be undertaken by FCC Construction Australia (FCC) and Modscape using an innovative modular housing solution, which will enable the project to be led with impressive speed. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Once operational, CHL will manage the precinct and offer programs to support residents’ wellbeing and community engagement. 

In addition to the support provided by the Queensland Government under the Housing Investment Fund, the project is funded with the support of Housing Australia, the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and ANZ.

Partner Shaun Whittaker led the cross-practice Hall & Wilcox team, working alongside partner Ben Cotter, senior associate Alison Thorp and lawyers Richard Goodlad and Nancy Harb. The team collaborated with valued partners Tetris Capital and CHL for over three years and have been involved from reviewing the initial concept plans for the site to structuring and successfully delivering the development, construction and financing for the project.

Throughout this period, the Hall & Wilcox team provided comprehensive advice on all aspects of the transaction. Leveraging the expertise of its market-leading social and affordable housing team, they negotiated with all levels of government, regulators, financiers, as well as lead D&C contractor, FCC. Their work spanned multiple areas of law, including project finance, construction, procurement, planning, cultural heritage and land acquisition.

Shaun Whittaker shared, ‘We’re proud to have supported Tetris Capital and CHL in bringing this transformative project to life. This initiative addresses the urgent need for social and affordable housing in North Queensland, particularly in Cairns, where rental pressure and social housing waitlists are at an all-time high. 

‘This development is a testament to the perseverance and collaboration between our consortium members, funders and the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works in Queensland. They saw an opportunity to deliver a new solution to a growing regional issue and committed to seeing it through.

‘We’re especially excited about the delivery of the project under our unique modular construction program, which could pave the way for faster projects in regional areas of Australia that are heavily affected by traditional construction issues such as weather and access to trades.’

This project highlights Hall & Wilcox’s expertise in advising on complex development projects and its commitment to supporting critical housing initiatives across Australia. 

Hall & Wilcox is a leading independent law firm. We have 1300 people, including more than 145 partners, working across eight offices. We create value for corporate, public sector and private clients, both Australian-based and international.