This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) has relaunched an expressions of interest process for development of 310 homes in Redfern, after proposed planning controls considered by the City of Sydney scuppered original plans for a build-to-rent project.
LAHC also announced yesterday the construction of a $55 million residential project in West Ryde that will house around 285 people, with 120 private units and 30 social housing residences creating 280 jobs during its three-year build.
The development will consist of three buildings, each with accessible access, three levels of underground parking and landscaped outdoor spaces. Located near West Ryde train station, the project is expected to be complete by 2024.
Meanwhile, LAHC is again seeking a development partner for 600 Elizabeth Street in Redfern, which LAHC CEO Mick Cassel said could see the construction of over 300 new homes of a mix of social, affordable and private rental housing, and a community facility, with a “contemporary design that is in line with the evolving look, feel and culture of inner-city Sydney”.
The predominantly vacant 1.1-hectare site is opposite iconic Redfern Oval and in close proximity to the new Metro Station at Waterloo.
“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.
About 95 of the 300 homes will be for social housing, and the project will create over 700 jobs. The proposed delivery model incorporates housing for sale and allows for more homes for people in need, LAHC said.
“Our aim is to invigorate and enhance one of Sydney’s central districts with a variety and mix of homes to meet local needs,” Cassel said.
The proposal also allowed for provision of new garden rooftops and outdoor spaces for residents, potential for an improved and expanded public plaza on Kettle Street, and new shops, café and communal spaces.
In July of 2018, a proposal designed to cater for Sydney’s demand for rental housing under a build-to-rent model was released for EOI. The government-owned site would be provided to investors under a 40-year lease, and the asset would be retained by the state at the end of the term.
In November of the following year, the rezoning pathway for Redfern changed from a State Significant Precinct process led by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to a Planning Proposal process led by the City of Sydney.
LAHC said, “proposed changes to planning controls being considered by City of Sydney Council will impact the ability to deliver built-to-rent. As a result, the previous procurement process has been terminated, and all tenderers have been informed”.
The NSW government this month announced an additional $183 million would be dedicated to fast-track more than 1,400 new social and affordable homes.
