The redevelopment of Waterloo South has been given the green light following a rezoning approval that will see the construction of 3,000 new homes.
This is just the first stage of a $3-billion renewal plan for the 19-hectare Waterloo estate, which has long been discussed between the City of Sydney and the state.
The project, however, will see the demolition of 749 public homes to make way for 847 social housing and 227 affordable housing. Ten percent of these homes will also be prioritised for First Nations housing.
Signs bearing “No Eviction” have been seen around Waterloo as current residents will be forced to leave once the redevelopment starts.
Voluntary Planning Agreement
The City of Sydney and the Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) will soon release a draft voluntary planning agreement (VPA) that will be subject to community consultations.
LAHC Chief Executive Simon Newport said that a shortlist of partner consortiums will also be released in the next weeks. Details of the project will be updated on the official site.
The Waterloo South redevelopment is expected to welcome new tenants by 2024.
Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said the rezoning is expected to breathe new life “into an old social housing estate to support the needs of the growing number of people who call – or want to call – Waterloo home.”
Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said that this move will provide a safe and stable dwelling for the vulnerable population.
“The NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to help everyone in NSW have a roof over their head and receive the wrap-around services they need to thrive.”
Redevelopment Opposed
“Today’s approval rubber stamps the unacceptable destruction of public housing in Waterloo and will force hundreds of people from the homes and community they’ve lived in for years,” Greens MP Jenny Leong said.
“Solidarity with all Waterloo residents now facing forced relocations. The Greens will always defend public housing and everyone’s right to a safe, secure and affordable home.”