BY OLIVIA DILLON

A new social housing development has been completed in Newcastle. 

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin announced yesterday, the completion of the $3.9 million project on Stannett Street in Waratah West. 

The development includes three one-bedroom and five two-bedroom units, as well as parking for four cars, sun shades, and easy access to parks, bus stops and essential services. 

It will provide eight homes, helping 14 local residents put a roof over their heads. 

The news comes amid a housing crisis across the Hunter region and the state. 

Recent figures indicate there are more than 50,000 people on the NSW social housing waitlist, with 4,500 of those coming from the Hunter. 

Additionally, rental vacancy in the region sits at just 1%. 

Mr Martin said the Waratah project is just one of ten developments which make up a $47 million pipeline for Newcastle, aiming to provide 138 homes for Novocastrians over three years.