North Eveleigh Archives

New Housing Development Announced for Carriageworks Precinct in Redfern

A new housing development featuring 250 affordable homes will be constructed at the Carriageworks precinct near Redfern Station.

In an ambitious move to alleviate the housing crisis in Sydney, a significant housing development is set to transform the Carriageworks precinct. This initiative will introduce approximately 500 new dwellings, half of which are earmarked as affordable housing options.

Following a comprehensive audit, this development forms part of a broader strategy to utilise well-located public land for housing. The focus on Redfern, a suburb known for its vibrant community and cultural significance, highlights the strategic choice of locations that balance accessibility with the need for increased housing capacity.

The project at North Eveleigh, within the larger Carriageworks area, is named after the historic Clothing Store building it encompasses. This sub-precinct will see the construction of new homes designed to cater to a mix of residents, ensuring diverse community benefits.

In addition to the North Eveleigh site, other locations across New South Wales have also been designated for similar developments:

301 Samantha Riley Drive, Kellyville: Adjacent to Rouse Hill Metro station, this site is expected to house between 75-83 new homes, with half available as social and affordable housing.

72, 82, and 86 Menangle Road, Camden: This location will focus exclusively on social and affordable housing, with around 10 homes planned.

WestConnex Dive site, Parramatta Road, Camperdown: This site will see the development of over 100 homes in a mixed-use setting, in partnership with the private sector.

As part of this expansive housing initiative, stakeholders from various sectors are collaborating to ensure the successful implementation of these projects. The efforts aim to provide housing and foster communities where families can thrive in well-supported environments.

The announcement marks a substantial step forward in the NSW Government’s efforts to alleviate housing shortages and improve affordability. With further sites to be announced in the coming months, the initiative is poised to transform underused land into thriving communities, significantly impacting the lives of many in New South Wales by providing better access to quality, affordable homes.

Published 5-July-2024

Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct Development Draws Red Flags

Plans for the renewal of the Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct remain up in the air due to issues raised by various stakeholders.

Planning NSW and Transport NSW proposed rezoning the sub-precincts in North Eveleigh but the City of Sydney and Shelter NSW raised concerns over the lack of social and affordable housing in the masterplan despite strong demand for these facilities.

In a statement, Shelter NSW understands that the Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct development is meant to support the establishment of Central Sydney’s ambitious plans for Tech Central. However, a lot remains at stake in this major project that will impact residents, students, workers and businesses.

“The proposed development is on NSW public land; in a suburb, local government area (LGA) and community with a strong tradition of providing low-cost housing to people who need it,” Shelter NSW said. “It is home to a long-standing and resilient Aboriginal community. As such, we believe the NSW Government has the responsibility and opportunity to build an exemplary community – one where people from all walks of life, cultures, ages and incomes can prosper; living in well-built and designed homes, buildings and public spaces.”

On the other hand, the City of Sydney said that housing availability must comprise 25 per cent of the Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct Renewal. However, the masterplan shows only 15 per cent of affordable housing.

The City of Sydney also raised issues with the plans for Tech Central, dubbed Australia’s biggest technological district that will deliver 16,000 jobs, as this will entail major changes in the district’s infrastructure, public spaces and heritage landmarks amidst the construction of the skyscrapers.

“The streets, blocks and buildings replicate the obvious mistakes of Barangaroo South, without the drawcard benefit of the foreshore promenade. The streets are too narrow, connections from the surrounding streets and spaces are narrow, steep and not legible and only one clear east-west connection is provided,” the Council cited in its submission to the proposal.

The Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct Renewal and the Central Precinct Renewal with Tech Central comprise about 34 hectares of Sydney.

Published 26 January 2023

Redfern’s Clothing Store Sub-Precinct Redevelopment Moves Forward with Search for Partners

The search is on for industry partners, developers, and operators for the redevelopment of the heritage-listed Clothing Store sub-precinct in Redfern, with 600 build-to-rent homes planned.

Entities to be selected for the Clothing Store sub-precinct redevelopment could secure a 99-year ground lease under an arrangement with the state government and the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE). The project entails re-adapting the Clothing Store building as a new public domain for recreation and unwinding whilst integrating several affordable dwellings.

Situated in the railway precinct, the old building was built in 1913 as a facility for producing and storing uniforms for railway workers. It was designed as a warehouse-style building with few partitions, a common area, and a kitchenette on the first level.

In the modern period, the Clothing Store has been used as a community facility for the arts and creatives. Most of the building’s structures are under heritage protection and will have to be preserved with this redevelopment.

Redfern Clothing Store sub-precinct — Photo Credit: TAHE-NSW

“This Government has committed to set aside 30 per cent of all residential stock on our urban renewal precincts for affordable and diverse housing and on this project we’ll deliver triple that target,” Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes in announcing the eTendering process for the project.

“This will provide much-needed secure housing for renters, with 75 per cent of the homes earmarked for build-to-rent housing and 15 per cent as affordable housing for key workers.

“This is another city-shaping precinct that will create 3,000 square metres of new, green public parkland, reimagine the heritage-listed clothing store into a space for the community, and play a critical role in bolstering Sydney’s status as a 24-hour global city.”

The Clothing Store sub-precinct redevelopment is part of the wider Redfern-North Eveleigh plan.

Multi-Arts Organisation Prefers Creative Precinct for North Eveleigh Redevelopment

Photo credit: Transport for NSW / transport.nsw.gov.au

The proposed Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct redevelopment includes the transformation of the Paint Shop precinct into a housing and commercial hub. A renowned multi-arts organisation, however, is calling for the conversion of the site into a creative precinct instead.

The proposed Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct Renewal project seeks to transform the ten-hectare site into a mixed-use precinct including buildings of up to 28 storeys high containing 450 new homes, and commercial and office spaces adjacent to Carriageworks.

Carriageworks, however, suggests that the site be transformed instead into a creative precinct similar to redevelopment projects in other countries, such as the Kings Cross Central in London, where industrial heritage sites are converted into a new community that promotes creativity and innovation.

proposed Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct redevelopment — *Photo credit: Transport for NSW /* transport.nsw.gov.au

Planners, they explained, could instead consider creating a creative quarter for North Eveleigh where built-for-purpose facilities that could cater to film productions, digital businesses and broadcast media would be developed. Whether Carriageworks’ alternative suggestion will be considered or not will be up for the Minister for Planning to decide.

The rezoning proposal for the Paint Shop sub-precinct was exhibited for public comment from 26 July until 25 August 2022. Transport for NSW is in the process of preparing a response to the submissions.

Carriageworks is among Australia’s most acclaimed contemporary multi-arts organisations. The site was built between 1880 and 1889 as part of the Eveleigh Railway Workshops and was redeveloped into a cultural precinct in 2007.

The Carriageworks spaces host premier annual events including Sydney Festival, Sydney Contemporary Art Fair and Sydney Writers’ Festival. Carriageworks is also home to eight resident companies including NSW First Peoples performing arts company, Moogahlin Performing Arts, and Sydney Chamber Opera.

Local Groups Call For Pedestrian Bridge in Proposed North Eveleigh Redevelopment

Photo Credit: Transport for NSW / transport.nsw.gov.au

Much to the disappointment of locals, the long-awaited pedestrian bridge between Carriageworks and South Eveleigh did not find its way into the proposed North Eveleigh renewal plan, despite having the support of the City of Sydney.

The proposed Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct Renewal project will see the 10-hectare site transformed into a revitalised, mixed-use precinct.

It will support the delivery of Tech Central and provide diverse housing and commercial spaces across buildings of up to 28 storeys in height. This includes 450 new homes, at least 15 per cent of which will classified as affordable housing.

The Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct comprises the Clothing Store, Carriageworks and the Paint Shop sub-precincts. The rezoning proposal for the Paint Shop Sub-Precinct went on exhibit from 26 July to 25 August 2022.

Model of the Paint Shop sub-precinct redevelopment proposal | Photo Credit: REDWatch / Facebook

Community groups REDWatch, Alexandria Residents Action Group (ARAG) and Friends of Erskineville who have long been campaigning for a bridge across the Eveleigh tracks expressed disappointment over the non-inclusion of the bridge in the redevelopment plan.

In contrast, the Central Precinct rezoning proposal has three new pedestrian and cycle connections included in the plan.

An online campaign has so far encouraged 774 people to send written letters to Active Transport Minister Rob Stokes. Despite overwhelming local support, the proposed bridge is yet to get a commitment from the state government.

“For a long time a bridge has been proposed in planning for North Eveleigh to remedy this, and we believe that with Transport for NSW reviewing plans for this site the time has come to build it,” the online petition said.

“We need an active transport corridor to connect Waterloo Metro, Alexandria and South Eveleigh on one side, to Carriageworks, North Eveleigh, Darlington and Sydney University on the other.”

On 25 August 2022, the City of Sydney made a submission on the Paint Shop Sub-Precinct rezoning proposal highlighting several issues with the proposals including the lack of commitment to provide an active bridge that will connect the Sub-Precinct to the South Eveleigh.

“As expressed by the Lord Mayor in her letter to the Minister for Transport and Roads on 10 November 2021, the City wishes to collaborate with TfNSW, key stakeholders and communities to provide this essential pedestrian and cycling connection across the rail line. We also need to heal the scar of the railway which has divided suburbs,” the submission stated.

The City of Sydney added that the lack of an overbridge will result in a “physical disconnect” between the sub-precinct and the rest of the innovation precinct. Thus, it recommended the NSW Government include a “firm commitment and implementation plan” for a pedestrian/cycle bridge to link North Eveleigh to the “business and innovation activities in South Eveleigh (former Australian Technology Park) and the communities of Darlington and Chippendale with those in Erskineville, Redfern, Waterloo, and Alexandria.”

REDWatch said that a pedestrian and cycle bridge that will link the Australian Technology Park and North Eveleigh was proposed 15 years ago. The Redfern Waterloo Authority (RWA), however, withdrew the plans put forth in 2008.

REDWatch, in its submission, likewise noted that there is a single-page assessment included in the proposal’s Urban Design Study which states that “detailed consideration” of the pedestrian link between the North and South Eveleigh is outside the scope and does not have NSW Government funding.”

The Group insisted that the master plan must deliver a pedestrian bridge, whether it will be paid for by the developer or the Government. They are, therefore, recommending that TfNSW and TAHE amend the master plan and honour the “long-term commitment to the community.”

Redfern Station Upgrades: Platform Excavation, Piling Work Continue at North Eveleigh and Marian Street

Improvement work continues at the Redfern Station to provide all commuters with better accessibility and connection between stations. Excavation, piling and installation work are ongoing at Platforms 1 and 2/3, as well as sections of North Eveleigh and Marian Street.

Noise and temporary closures of pedestrian access will be expected as materials and equipment are brought in and out of the site. However, disruptions may also arise based on current public health orders.

In July, Redfern Station construction activities were paused for at least two weeks in accordance with the NSW Government lockdown orders. Upon the resumption of work, all people at the worksite have been ascribing to the state’s COVID-19 requirements and will continue to observe these safety and preventive measures.

Meanwhile, upgrades to the Redfern Station in the following weeks will deliver these outcomes:

Remaining bridge beam installation across Platforms 1 to 6
Service route and drainage installation across platforms
Excavation and piling on Platform 1
Relocation work on the heritage building on Platform 1
Changes to overhead wiring
Various signalling works
Delivery and removal of plant, equipment and materials

By September, the construction of a new shared zone on Little Eveleigh Street will begin, impacting the thoroughfare between Wilson Street and Ivy Lane. Powerlines may be temporarily shut down as modifications will be undertaken in collaboration with Ausgrid.

Completion of the Redfern Station upgrades is earmarked for 2022. For more information and enquiries about this project, email projects@transport.nsw.gov.au or phone 1800 684 490.