Chip off the old Block

The Pemulwuy Project to redevelop the Block in Redfern has been granted council approval.

The June 21 Notice of Motion to transfer lands to the Aboriginal Housing Company was approved by City of Sydney Council on Monday, after passing through the Finance Committee last week.

“It’s so important for the next generation of children,” said Aboriginal Housing Company CEO, Michael Mundine.

“We’re going to pave the way and build a very good, strong platform so the next generation of children don’t go through the vicious cycle of drug-related issues, crime, and alcohol.”

The Pemulwuy Project is planned as a mixed-use development, including 62 apartment dwellings, a gymnasium, art gallery, and office space.

Mr Mundine said the Aboriginal Housing Company was also considering construction of mixed student accommodation and a preschool.

He said the Housing Company would be seeking state or federal government assistance in funding for the Pemulwuy Project.

The project requires the closure and transfer of Eveleigh Lane, the exchange of land in Caroline Lane, and the transfer of land along Eveleigh Street.

The Housing Company owns property on both sides of Eveleigh Lane. The closure of the lane will allow for the creation of private open space backyards for ground floor dwellings.

Councillor Marcelle Hoff, who brought the Notice of Motion last month, said transfer of Eveleigh Lane is vital for the Housing Company to consolidate its plan and begin construction of the Pemulwuy Project.

Cr Hoff has been largely responsible for driving the Project through Council. “It’s just so important because we’re coming up to 40 years since Tom Uren, as a Federal Minister, granted them some money to start a project down there, and of course people have been living down there but have not had the money to develop it any further,” Cr Hoff said.

“The properties have fallen into disrepair and some have certainly been demolished. And so the time’s now right for them to begin building.”

The process of closing the lanes and reclassifying the land is expected to take about 12 months. Council hopes that the transfer of title will be achieved by NAIDOC Week in July 2011.

By Alex Giblin