Bridge Housing, in partnership with Homes NSW, has submitted a development application for a major urban renewal project at 600-660 Elizabeth Street, Redfern.
The proposal, now on public exhibition until 4 December 2024, aims to deliver approximately 355 new homes in a mix of social, affordable, and disability-support housing.
The project, situated opposite Redfern Oval, is set to transform a long-vacant 1.1-hectare site into a vibrant community precinct.
The development will include:
- 355 new homes, comprising social, affordable, and specialist disability housing
- A large community facility to replace the existing PCYC
- Bridge Housing’s new headquarters
Laurie Leigh, CEO of Bridge Housing, pointed out the project’s significance, stating: “This scalable, replicable model will keep this vibrant community knitted together, enhancing lives and lessening the impact of the affordability crisis.”
The development team includes a diverse group of architects, with Hayball serving as the precinct executive architect and design architect for two of the four buildings.
Silvester Fuller and Architecture AND will design the remaining buildings, while Aspect Studios will oversee landscape design.
The project has also incorporated a Designing with Country process, facilitated by Yerrabingin, to ensure input from local Aboriginal community members.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, praised the project as “a prime example of how the community housing sector, through organisations like Bridge Housing, are working in partnership with government and the private sector to deliver social and affordable housing at scale”.
The proposed development aims to provide housing for various groups in need, including:
- Women and children escaping domestic violence
- Older women at risk of homelessness
- Aboriginal households
- Key workers who might otherwise be unable to live in the Redfern area
This $230 million project represents a significant milestone for NSW, as Bridge Housing becomes the first community housing provider to lead a large-scale government redevelopment.
The development is expected to commence in 2025 and be completed by 2028.
As the development application undergoes public exhibition, the community is encouraged to provide feedback on the plans, shaping the future of this landmark project in Sydney’s inner city.
