NSW Cans Build-to-Rent Project in Planning Overhaul

Plans for build-to-rent in Redfern have been torn up as the New South Wales government seeks a new development partner for social and affordable housing.

The NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) has released a new expression of interest campaign, replacing previous procurement proposals, to secure a new development partner to deliver 300 new homes at 600 Elizabeth Street at Redfern.

LAHC chief executive Mick Cassel said the proposal was to build 300 new dwellings and a community facility to replace the existing PCYC on the site.

“This new development will inject more vitality into Redfern and will provide safe and modern housing in close walking distance to public transport, shops and other important services,” Cassel said.

“Around a third of these homes will be for social housing, creating over 700 jobs in Sydney.

“Our aim is to invigorate and enhance one of Sydney’s central districts with a variety and mix of homes to meet local needs.”

The 1.1-hectare site is opposite Redfern oval and predominantly vacant in close proximity to the new Waterloo Metro Station.

It is a scaled-back proposal for the site, which was originally slated for 500 social, affordable and private build-to-rent homes in 2018.

City of Sydney Council is currently considering planning controls for the LAHC-owned site.

The proposed changes are for an increased floor-to-space ratio and building height to allow the development of four buildings up to 16-storeys high.

The City of Sydney has proposed that the development should include 30 per cent social housing and 10 per cent affordable housing, which the state government revised to 30 per cent for both social and affordable housing.

The proposal also makes provisions for a new 3500sq m community facility to replace the existing South Sydney Police Citizens Youth Club.

According to council documents the planning proposal would rezone the site from a maximum of 6m to 16-storeys or about 87.5m in height, and introduce active street frontages, with rezoning to include the provision for a community facility and affordable housing.