The first site has been identified in Sydney’s Inner West. Photo: supplied
The NSW Government has identified the first site in its $450 million essential worker Build-to-Rent plan.
The government’s developer, Landcom, will build on the former WestConnex dive site in Camperdown, which is close to transport, public spaces, amenities, education and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
The project is expected to build at least 200 subsidised build-to-rent units for essential workers like health workers, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters; 300 other units, retail/commercial premises, landscaping and pedestrian links.
NSW Premier Chris Minns says “essential workers are feeling the impact of the immense cost of housing and many can’t afford to live near their jobs”.
“The former WestConnex dive site in Sydney’s Inner West sat unused for years. Thanks to our plan to identify vacant land, it will now deliver housing for essential workers close to their jobs.”
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully says the Camperdown site is the first secured by Landcom under government’s plan to build more than 400 build-to-rent homes for essential workers in Sydney.
“The new rental homes in Sydney’s Inner West will ease the pressure on essential workers employed nearby, providing greater housing choice, security and affordability, improving quality of life,” he says.
“The development will transform unused government-owned land with new homes for renters and buyers, while rejuvenating a key part of the Parramatta Road corridor.”
LAND AUDIT
Lands and Property Minister Steve Kamper says the site is proof that their Land Audit is working.
“Instead of collecting dust, this site will help deliver much needed housing as part of about 7000 new homes identified by the land audit,” he says.
The audit set out to identify ‘unused’ public land ideal for development, with Landcom and Homes NSW given first pick of the sites.
Housing Minister Rose Jackson says nurses, teachers and first responders are now being given more affordable rental options close to their jobs.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Bryne says more affordable housing for essential workers is desperately needed.
“This project will make a real dent in the problem,” he says.
“For years people have talked about the Parramatta Road corridor as being an ideal location for higher density housing; this project will make that happen.”
Construction is due to begin in 2026 with the first workers moving in around 2028.
Landcom is also expected to start construction this year on 110 public build-to-rent units in NSW’s Northern Rivers and South Coast regions.
