A Landmark Housing Development To Support Marginalised Groups Proposed For Redfern
Image: Images: renderings via DIM Studio
A landmark urban renewal development, with a mix of social, affordable, and disability support housing has being proposed for Redfern.
The project has been brought forward by Bridge Housing, which provides social and affordable housing, and crisis accommodation for those facing homelessness and domestic violence, and is partnering with Homes NSW.
Spanning 600-660 Elizabeth Street, the project intends to create 355 new homes, as well as a new community facility to replace the ageing PCYC that already exists, and a new head office for Bridge Housing.
The precinct’s executive architect, Hayball, says the design aims to provide long term liveability, incorporating communal spaces, a large central garden and multiple rooftop gardens.
Crisis housing for victim-survivors of domestic violence + more
The development is reliant on sourcing funding streams to provide more homes for people escaping domestic and family violence, and older women at risk of homelessness, which was the Australia’s fastest growing group of homeless people as of 2019.
Housing for key workers priced out of inner-city suburbs like Redfern
Key workers who could otherwise not be able to live within the Redfern area will also be included.
Sydney ranks in as Australia’s most expensive city, with median dwelling prices up by almost $1.2 million since March 2020.
The People’s Commission into the Housing Crisis, a report released earlier this year, revealed that almost 80% of renters were in housing stress, and we having to cope with costs but cutting heating and cooling, doctors’ appointments, and skipping meals.
Design and community feedback through Indigenous-owned design start-up Yerrabingin
The design has been informed by a Designing with Country process facilitated by Yerrabingin, an Indigenous owned design start-up, which treats Country and its custodians as co-designers in their work. The group has also sought feedback from local Aboriginal community members.
Between 10-15% of the homes will be dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tenants.
“We cannot tackle the housing crisis alone,” said Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson in a statement, “but through partnerships, innovation, and a shared commitment to creating sustainable housing solutions for the people of NSW we can make meaningful change.”
The public is encouraged to provide their feedback on the plans for the Redfern housing development, which is available on the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s (DPHI) website until Wednesday 4 December.
