Contracts have been signed to deliver what is claimed to be the largest social housing project in Australia.

The New South Wales Government has finalised contracts with Stockland, Link Wentworth, City West Housing and Brirribee Housing to commence the transformation of Waterloo South in the inner southern part of Sydney.

The consortium will now manage the project’s planning, design, delivery and operations.

Set to take place over the next 10 to 15 years, the project is claimed by the NSW Government to be the largest social housing development in Australia.

It involves the demolition of existing buildings which currently house around 3,000 social homes and the creation of a new community which delivers a mix of social, affordable and private housing.

Specifically, the redevelopment will include:

  • More than 3,000 homes. Of these almost half (1,400) will be private homes whilst the development will also include over 1.000 new social homes 600 affordable homes.
  • Green space and amenity including a two-hectare park – the largest park to be delivered in the city during recent times.
  • New community and retail spaces along George Street
  • Dedicated initiatives to strengthen community connections, enhance wellbeing and open pathways to skills development and employment.

All up, 20 percent of social homes and 15 percent of affordable homes which are delivered through the project will be dedicated toward Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents.

The project is part of the NSW Government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program. The program will deliver 8,400 new public housing dwellings 21,000 new affordable and private homes and upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties.

With contracts now finalised, the project will progress to the next phase.

This will include site investigations, planning approvals and ongoing community engagement, alongside the staged tenant relocations already underway.

Relocation of existing tenants is happening in stages, with the first 150 tenants having received eviction notices in February.

Relocation officers will help tenants to secure alternative housing, with 70 new social housing units are expected to be available above Waterloo Metro Station within six months ad more than 150 properties being offered by City West Housing in nearby developments.

For this reason, the Government says that current residents will be able to move into new or near-new homes within the local area.

It says that keeping the community together is a core priority of the relocation.

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson welcomed the latest developments.

“Signing these contracts marks a historic moment for Waterloo and for social housing in Australia,” Jackson said.

“We are not just replacing old homes, we’re creating a thriving, inclusive, and well-connected community that honours the rich history of the area.”

 

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