Waterloo renewal reaches new milestone to deliver Australia’s largest social housing project
The
Minns
Labor Government has taken the next major step in delivering the
nation’s largest social housing renewal, with contracts now signed to
commence the
transformation of Waterloo South.
Following
a competitive tender process, the NSW Government has finalised
contracts with Stockland, Link Wentworth, City West Housing, and
Birribee
Housing. Together the consortium will manage the planning, design,
delivery and operations of the renewal.
This
project will deliver more than 3,000 new homes in the inner city,
within walking distance of local amenities and public transport
including
the Waterloo Metro. Half of these will be dedicated to social and
affordable housing, providing over 1,000 new social homes and 600
affordable homes in the heart of Sydney.
Located
on Gadigal land, the proposed plans place strong emphasis on cultural
inclusion, improved housing outcomes and greater support for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Birribee Housing will lead housing
allocations to ensure 20 per cent of social homes and 15 per cent of
affordable homes are dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
residents.
Committed
to delivering thriving communities, Waterloo South will be designed
with exceptional amenity and dedicated green space, including a
two-hectare
urban park – the largest delivered in the city in recent times.
To
support the area’s growth, the revitalisation will deliver new
community and retail spaces along George Street, improving access to
everyday essentials and local
services for residents.
The
new precinct is designed to support residents beyond housing, with
dedicated initiatives to strengthen community connections, enhance
wellbeing,
and open pathways to skills development and employment.
With
contracts now finalised, the project will progress to the next phase,
including site investigations, planning approvals and ongoing community
engagement, alongside the staged tenant relocations already underway.
A
core priority throughout the renewal is keeping the community together.
With new homes available at the Waterloo Metro Quarter, Elizabeth
Street
Redfern and more than 150 properties offered by City West Housing in
nearby developments, current residents will be able to move into new or
near-new homes within the local area.
Homes
NSW recognises that moving can be stressful and has committed to
providing dedicated support to residents to ensure a smooth transition
to
their new homes. All residents will have the right to return once the
renewal is complete.
This renewal is part of the NSW Government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which will deliver:
- 8,400 new public housing dwellings
- 21,000 new affordable and private homes
- Upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties
For more information visit:
www.nsw.gov.au/homes-nsw/waterloo
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“Signing
these contracts marks a historic moment for Waterloo and for social
housing in Australia.
We are not just replacing old homes, we’re creating a thriving,
inclusive, and well-connected community that honours the rich history of
the area.
“With more than 1,600 social and affordable homes, a new two-hectare park, and a commitment to Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander housing and cultural inclusion, we are setting a new benchmark for large-scale social housing renewal.
“This is about more than just
housing, it’s about building a future where everyone has the stability and opportunity they deserve.
“Every
tenant will be supported through this process, and every resident has
the right to return to a brand-new home once the project is complete.”
Member for Heffron Ron Hoenig said:
“I’ve fought for years for the residents
of Waterloo to have the quality housing they deserve.
“Ensuring that all residents are treated
with respect and that their wellbeing is front of mind is my priority as this project progresses.
“This
renewal will completely transform the
estate, giving residents safe, modern homes while preserving the strong
community connections that have been built over decades.
“Importantly, we are ensuring residents remain
living in the local area during the transition and that they return when the project is complete.
“That right to return
is non-negotiable and I’m proud to see it guaranteed under this Government.”
Stockland Managing Director and CEO Tarun Gupta said:
“Stockland
considers it a privilege to be selected by the NSW Government to
develop the Waterloo Renewal Project, alongside our consortium partners,
Link Wentworth,
City West Housing and Birribee Housing.
“Building
on Stockland’s 73-year legacy as a leading creator and curator of
connected communities, we look forward to working with Homes NSW, our
partners, and the
community to deliver vibrant and inclusive spaces with high quality
homes for all residents.
“We
understand the deep responsibility that comes with our selection, and
we are committed to delivering the project in a way that respects the
community and the
important history of Waterloo.”