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The latest news from REDWatch

REDWatch is a community group which covers the Sydney suburbs of Redfern Eveleigh Darlington and Waterloo. These suburbs make up what the NSW Government generally refers to as Redfern - Waterloo. The area has been subject to various NSW Government interventions since the early 2000's and had its own Government Minister from 2004 to 2011. Interventions have included removing planning responsibilities from City of Sydney Council and having place specific interventions on human services, infrastructure and employment. This history is captured on this website. Currently the focus is on UrbanGrowth's Central to Eveleigh and the proposed redevelopment of the Waterloo Public Housing Estate. Below is the latest news from REDWatch about our area and its issues.

Labor Party approach to public, social and affordable housing

The Labor Shadow Minister for Housing Rose Jackson, spoke to the REDWatch forum on Public, Affordable and Social Housing on February 2 2023 from notes. Rose has supplied the link to the ALP Housing Policy. As many in our local community have an interest in social and affordable housing we have also provided a link to the NSW Labor State Confernece resolution on public housing and other material on ALP housing announcements.

Labor Party approach to public, social and affordable housing - Read More…

Greens Party approach to public, social and affordable housing

The Greens Housing Spokesperson and member for Newtown Jenny Leong spoke to the REDWatch forum on Public, Affordable and Social Housing on February 2 2023 from notes and has provided the following links to the Greens Housing policy for the 2023 NSW Election.

Greens Party approach to public, social and affordable housing - Read More…

Lord Mayor Paint Shop Precinct Announcement letter to residents.

Clover Moore has written to local residents on 14 March 2023, to make them aware of the rezoning outcome for the North Eveleigh Paint Shop Precinct. With the decision just before caretaker period the government will not be leafleting residents to let them know the outcome. Council has stepped into the void to make sure residents know what has been decided. The text of Clover's letter is below:

Lord Mayor Paint Shop Precinct Announcement letter to residents. - Read More…

DPE Media release on North Eveleigh announcements - 7 May 2023

DPE Media release on North Eveleigh announcements - 7 May 2023

This media release was issued by Robert Stokes and Anthony Roberts on 7 March 2023 regarding the rezoning of the North Eveleigh Paint Shop Precinct and the shortlisting of developers for the North Eveleigh Clothing Store precinct.

DPE Media release on North Eveleigh announcements - 7 May 2023 - Read More…

North Eveleigh Clothing Store Precinct - Four Proponents Short listed

In a media release on 7 March 2023 regarding North Eveleigh generally it was announced that four proponents have been shortlisted to deliver build-to-rent housing on the Clothing Store sub-precinct. An extract from the media release is below as it deals with the Clothing Store Precinct. The full media statement is in the Paint Shop Precinct section.

North Eveleigh Clothing Store Precinct - Four Proponents Short listed - Read More…

Bridge Housing Presentation on Elizabeth Street

On 2 March 2023 Bridge Housing and Capella Capital presented to REDWatch on their plans for the 600-660 Elizabeth St Redfern Communities Plus site. This presentation has been updated on the one shown to clarify a couple of questions that came up during and after the presentation.

Bridge Housing Presentation on Elizabeth Street - Read More…

Liberal Party approach to public, social and affordable housing

This is the text of a speech prepared by The Hon. Chris Rath MLC, representing the Liberal party, made to the REDWatch forum on Public, Affordable and Social Housing on February 2 2023.

Liberal Party approach to public, social and affordable housing - Read More…

TfNSW March 2023 - What we’ve heard & Where we’re heading Vision document

Paint Shop Sub-Precinct: Rezoning Proposal Approval - What we’ve heard & Where we’re heading (PDF, 989.13 KB). This updated vision document appeared on the TfNSW website prior to caretaker mode provisions coming into effect.

TfNSW March 2023 - What we’ve heard & Where we’re heading Vision document - Read More…

TfNSW Newsletter March 2023 on Paint Shop Rezoning

Community newsletter: Approval of the Paint Shop Sub-Precinct Rezoning Proposal (PDF, 1.4 MB). This newsletter was not letterboxed due to the determination falling within the period that TfNSW was unable to spend money on advertising. It appeared on the TfNSW website prior to caretaker mode provisions coming into effect.

TfNSW Newsletter March 2023 on Paint Shop Rezoning - Read More…

Paint Shop Precinct Rezoning Determination

The Paint Shop Precinct Planning Controls have been finalised and posted late on Friday 24 February on both the Department of Planning and Environment’s Paint Shop Exhibition page and on the legislation website.

Paint Shop Precinct Rezoning Determination - Read More…

Diagrams from the Paint Shop Determination

This is an extract of the figures that show the amended proposal from the DPE Determination report. In the absence of the amended planning control maps and the TfNSW Response to Submissions, these are the only graphics that show some aspects of the amended proposal. PDF

Diagrams from the Paint Shop Determination - Read More…

Fig 13b Amended TfNSW Proposal Paint Shop Precinct North Eveleigh - master plan layout

Fig 13b Amended TfNSW Proposal Paint Shop Precinct North Eveleigh - master plan layout

This is the amended proposal permitted by the the Paint Shop Precinct in mater plan format for the rezoning determined on 24 February 2023.

Fig 13b Amended TfNSW Proposal Paint Shop Precinct North Eveleigh - master plan layout - Read More…

Fig 13a Amended TfNSW Proposal Paint Shop Precinct North Eveleigh - Artist Impression

Fig 13a Amended TfNSW Proposal Paint Shop Precinct North Eveleigh - Artist Impression

This is an artist impression of the amended proposal permitted by the the Paint Shop Precinct rezoning determined on 24 February 2023. Please note the final designs of the buildings will be determined at Development Application stage.

Fig 13a Amended TfNSW Proposal Paint Shop Precinct North Eveleigh - Artist Impression - Read More…

Chief Mechanical Engineers Building (CME) SSDA Exhibition - extension until 28 February 2023 if by email

Chief Mechanical Engineers Building (CME) SSDA Exhibition - extension until 28 February 2023 if by email

--- ALERT : REDWATCH HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT DUE TO LATE RELEASE OF THE CMP DOCUMENTS THAT SUBMISSIONS WILL BE RECEIVED UP UNTIL 28 FEBUARY IF SENT BY EMAIL TO THE PLANNER. IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS MAKING A LATE SUBMISSION EMAIL US AT MAIL@REDWATCH.ORG.AU --- The Transport Asset Management Entity (TAHE) and Transport for NSW (TfNSW), which are handling the redevelopment of Redfern North Eveleigh, have put forward a proposal for the adaptive reuse of Chief Mechanical Engineers building on Wilson Street. The proposal is on exhibition through the NSW Major Projects portal until 21 February 2023.

Chief Mechanical Engineers Building (CME) SSDA Exhibition - extension until 28 February 2023 if by email - Read More…

Chief Mechanical Engineers (CME) Building Conservation Management Plan (CMP) Released

Chief Mechanical Engineers (CME) Building Conservation Management Plan (CMP) Released

Just as the CME development application exhibition is closing, Transport for NSW has released the key document that should have been available from the beginning - the CME building's Conservation Management Plan (CMP). Here we provide direct links to the four CMP documents released.

Chief Mechanical Engineers (CME) Building Conservation Management Plan (CMP) Released - Read More…

Bridge Housing wins on 600-660 Elizabeth Street and flips 70:30 model

Bridge Housing and Capella Capital were announced on 23 January 2023 as the successful tenders of the Elizabeth Street public housing site which also included the PCYC. Below is how REDWatch unpacked the announcement in our email update. This post details the announcement, some history on the site and what has been learnt about to consortiums plans for the site.

Bridge Housing wins on 600-660 Elizabeth Street and flips 70:30 model - Read More…

NSW State Election: Public, Social and Affordable Housing Policies of the Major Parties 6pm Thursday 2 February 2023

On Thursday February 2, REDWatch will facilitate a discussion on public, social and affordable housing policy with representatives of the major NSW political parties and NSW's peak housing body Shelter NSW.

NSW State Election: Public, Social and Affordable Housing Policies of the Major Parties 6pm Thursday 2 February 2023 - Read More…

Waterloo South Signed VPA with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) overlay

The Waterloo South Voluntary Planning Agreement released for the public exhibition was a scanned copy which means that it is not searchable. For a legal document that keeps referring to other parts of the document this is difficult to follow if you can't search the document. REDWatch has run an optical character recognition program across the document and made a searchable text overlay. This process is not perfect especially when the original document has scan marks so the text overlay may not be 100% accurate. If you are using this document you should check the underlying scan to be sure that the OCR text is correct.

Waterloo South Signed VPA with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) overlay - Read More…

NSW State Election: Public, Social and Affordable Housing Policies of the Major Parties - Poster 2 Feb 2023

Presentations by: Greens NSW, Jenny Leong MP; Labor NSW, Rose Jackson MLC; Liberals NSW – Chris Rath MLC; Shelter NSW – Cathy Callaghan; Followed by Q&A

NSW State Election: Public, Social and Affordable Housing Policies of the Major Parties - Poster 2 Feb 2023 - Read More…

Elizabeth Street Redfern Development - Bridge Housing and Capella Capital successful tenderers

Elizabeth Street Redfern Development - Bridge Housing and Capella Capital successful tenderers

Minister Anthony Roberts dropped the announcement to the Sydney Morning Herald for 23 January 2023. Below is the subsequent media release from the Minister and a link to the SMH article and other comment.

Elizabeth Street Redfern Development - Bridge Housing and Capella Capital successful tenderers - Read More…

Bridge Housing flips NSW Government 30:70 model in Redfern Development

In a statement on the Bridge Housing website about their success in gaining the rights to develop 600-660 Elizabeth Street, LAHC get there 100 social housing units but there will only be a similar number of market homes. Bridge as the developer say they will also deliver around 100 affordable homes as well as 11 specialist disability homes and new offices for Bridge Housing. The statement on the Bridge Housing website is reproduced below:

Bridge Housing flips NSW Government 30:70 model in Redfern Development - Read More…

Bridge Housing Fact Sheet on Elizabeth Street, Redfern Redevelopment

In addition to a statement on its website at www.bridgehousing.org.au/properties/housing-development/redfern-estate, Bridge Housing has issued this factsheet on the 600-660 Elizabeth Street Redfern development. The fact sheet commits to 10% of all of Bridge Housing’s allocation of homes will be dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tenants. The fact sheet also states the development will include "3,500sqm of community space as a hub for local services, potentially including the PCYC subject to funding, and Bridge Housing’s new head office with community meeting space."

Bridge Housing Fact Sheet on Elizabeth Street, Redfern Redevelopment - Read More…

Bridge Housing - successful pitch for 600-660 Elizabeth Street

Bridge Housing - successful pitch for 600-660 Elizabeth Street

This is one of the illustrations released from Bridge Housing by Anthony Roberts on 23 January 2023 announcing Bridge Housing and Capella Capital (part owned by Lend Lease) are the sucessful tenderers for the redevelopment of LAHC owned land opposite Redfern Oval.

Bridge Housing - successful pitch for 600-660 Elizabeth Street - Read More…

Redevelopment of Elizabeth Street, Redfern will be a sell off of public land for private profit - Jenny Leong Response

This is a media statement by Greens Housing Spokesperson and local MP Jenny Leong to Minister Anthony Roberts announcement of the successful tender for 600-660 Elizabeth Street Redfern.

Redevelopment of Elizabeth Street, Redfern will be a sell off of public land for private profit - Jenny Leong Response - Read More…

Clover Moore letter to Planning and Shadow Planning Ministers on Explorer Street Eveleigh

In line with the Council resolution from the end of 2022, on 17 January 2023 the Lord Mayor of Sydney has written to Minister Roberts and Mr Paul Scully, MP regarding Explorer Street Eveleigh being taken from Council planning control. The text of the letters are below.

Clover Moore letter to Planning and Shadow Planning Ministers on Explorer Street Eveleigh - Read More…

Use of Innovation Plaza as external Brewdog pub seating – Exhibition until 20 January

The approval for permanent use of Innovation Plaza for this use is currently on exhibition as a State Significant Development Modification (Mod 11) for the Locomotive Workshops rather than a DA through Council. The long term use proposal is on exhibition until January Friday 20 January 2023.

Use of Innovation Plaza as external Brewdog pub seating – Exhibition until 20 January - Read More…

Council Submission on Innovation Plaza Seating Exhibition until 20 Jan 2023

In its submission on the Brewdog pub seating in Innovation Plaza Council raises a number of concerns including about its impact operating after 10pm at night. This submission has been made public to assist those making submissions to be aware of the Council's technical concerns.

Council Submission on Innovation Plaza Seating Exhibition until 20 Jan 2023 - Read More…

Waterloo Renewal Project Update - December 2022

This update includes a LAHC update on the rezoning outcome, the shortlisting of consortiums for the waterloo Redevelopment, a project Planning timeline, the proposed infrastructure agreement between LAHC and Council, community consultations and support during relocations. It also includes a section from DCJ Housing about the introduction of the new Housing Practice Standards that are to guide DCJ Housing staff in their dealing with tenants.

Waterloo Renewal Project Update - December 2022 - Read More…

Save the Large Erecting Shed Flyer

This flyer on the large Erecting Shed was produced by the Rail Tram and Bus Union Retired Members Association in November 2022 when the Rezoning for the LES was proposed.

Save the Large Erecting Shed Flyer - Read More…

Clover Moore letter on Redfern Eveleigh Connectivity

The Lord Mayor has just written on 16 December 2022 to the Transport Minister (copying in the Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport, Shadow Minister for Transport and Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces). In the letter Clover Moore asks that the new Southern Concourse at Redfern Station is barrier-free and that the second active transport bridge across the rail line is committed to and delivered.

Clover Moore letter on Redfern Eveleigh Connectivity - Read More…

City of Sydney Council Resolution on Explorer Street Eveleigh

On December 5 2022 the NSW Government added Explorer Street Eveleigh on a list of 10 sites that would have their planning done by the NSW Department of Planning rather than local Councils. Below is the text of the motion adopted unanimously by City of Sydney Council at its meeting on 12 December 2022.

City of Sydney Council Resolution on Explorer Street Eveleigh - Read More…

City of Sydney Supplementary Submission on Large Erecting Shop Rezoning Proposal

This is a copy of the City of Sydney's supplementary submission Large Erecting Shop Rezoning Proposal. This submission reflects Council consideration after the initial submission was lodged and contains the text of a Council submission dated 21 November 2022.

City of Sydney Supplementary Submission on Large Erecting Shop Rezoning Proposal - Read More…

Explorer Street Eveleigh Rezoning taken over by State Government

The public housing at Explorer Street Eveleigh is on a list of sites announced on 5th December 2022 where the Department of Planning will take over rezoning control from Local Councils. It is the only site on the is in the City of Sydney LGA. The story was initially dropped to the Daily Telegraph behind a paywall.

Explorer Street Eveleigh Rezoning taken over by State Government - Read More…

REDWatch Submission on Large Erecting Shop (LES)

This is a copy of the REDWatch LES submission of 24 November 2022. Given that the site has not yet been transferred to Mirvac and there are a number of NSW Government players involved and their decisions will impact the final site outcome, REDWatch have raised a number of these issues in its submission. Some of which will be outside the direct scope of the rezoning but will impact upon the final outcome for the LES redevelopment and on what should be acceptable additional floor space within the LES.

REDWatch Submission on Large Erecting Shop (LES) - Read More…

Large Erecting Shop rezoning proposal Exhibition until 24 Nov 2022

Large Erecting Shop rezoning proposal Exhibition until 24 Nov 2022

The Department of Planning and Environment have a rezoning proposal for the Large Erecting Shop (LES) on exhibition now until 24 November. This exhibition is about changing the planning controls that apply to this site prior to what is proposed to be a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) that will deal with the detailed design. REDWatch only learnt about this exhibition on 4 November evening and it was supposed to end 10th November. REDWatch has not had time to dig into all the documents. Below is a quick guide to the key issues REDWatch is aware of.

Large Erecting Shop rezoning proposal Exhibition until 24 Nov 2022 - Read More…

City of Sydney Submission on Large Erecting Shop Rezoning Proposal

This is a copy of the City of Sydney's submission Large Erecting Shop Rezoning Proposal. This submission was posted prior to submissions closing on 24 November 2022 to encourage residents to consider the issues and to make an informed submission on the rezoning.

City of Sydney Submission on Large Erecting Shop Rezoning Proposal - Read More…

REDWatch Update on LES Exhibition until 24 November

REDWatch Update on LES Exhibition until 24 November

This update was provided in the REDWatch email update on 15 November 2022 to provide additional information about REDWatch's concerns over the Large Erecting Shop Exhibition.

REDWatch Update on LES Exhibition until 24 November - Read More…

Mirvac, Lendlease, Stockland, Frasers shortlisted for Waterloo South

Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) has announced the short list of four developer consortiums to be considered to redevelop the Waterloo Public Housing Estate. These developers will now submit proposals for the redevelopment next year before the list is reduced to two bidders before a final decision late in 2023.

Mirvac, Lendlease, Stockland, Frasers shortlisted for Waterloo South - Read More…

Waterloo Planning Controls Finalised

The Department of Planning have approved the planning controls for Waterloo South following the rezoning exhibition. The details of the rezoning and approved controsl are in the post below. The approval was notified on November 10 2022.

Waterloo Planning Controls Finalised - Read More…

Build a Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge

A connection between North Eveleigh and South Eveleigh was mooted by the RWA in 2006 and funds collected towards it but no bridge has eventuated. REDWatch tried to to get one of the two bridges the RWA wanted built into the new Redfern Station Southern Concourse. REDWatch with ARAG and FOE have also been pushing for a bridge connecting Carriageworks to South Eveleigh near the Large Erecting Shop. Even though TAHE are commercialising both sides of the line they have declined to provide a bridge reconnecting the two sides of the former Eveleigh Railway Workshops. THis section is about the Bridge.

Build a Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge - Read More…

RNE Place Design and Strategic Vision 2020-21

During August 2020 Transport for NSW undertook a Place Design Forum for Redfern North Eveleigh. This informed a Strategic Vision that was exhibited in April 2021 and informed the State Significant Applications. This section of the REDWatch website covers these activities.

RNE Place Design and Strategic Vision 2020-21 - Read More…

Potential Clothing Store and Park Charette Outcome

In October 2022 the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) and Transport for NSW held a Charette (Planning Workshop) with some local representatives and representatives from different parts of government. The Charette outcome is being used to inform developers of some of the possibilities for the park and the Clothing Store building during the Expressions of Interest process to find a developer. This is the report from the Charette. Further consultation will take place for planning the Park, The Clothing Store and the buildings proposed on the site,

Potential Clothing Store and Park Charette Outcome - Read More…

Media Release - Paint Shop Precinct - More Key Worker Housing for Redfern

Media Release - Paint Shop Precinct - More Key Worker Housing for Redfern

Minister Robert Stokes has announced that Expressions of Interest (EOI) have been called for the redevelopment of the Clothing Store sub-precinct of Redfern North Eveleigh. The redevelopment is to provide build to rent accommodation on a 99 year ground lease with Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) retaining land ownership. The media release of 17 November 2022 is below.

Media Release - Paint Shop Precinct - More Key Worker Housing for Redfern - Read More…

Clothing Store Sub-Precinct Redevelopment

Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) called for Expressions of Interest for the redevelopment of the Clothing Store Precinct on 17 November 2022. This section of the website deals with the redevelopment of this part of the Redfern North Eveleigh site.

Clothing Store Sub-Precinct Redevelopment - Read More…

DPE Response to Waterloo Redevelopment Tenant-Only Subgroup letter

On 21 Septembers Waterloo Redevelopment Tenant-Only Subgroup sent a letter to the Planning Minister raising their concerns about how submissions were handled. This is the reply on behalf of the minister from the department of Planning and Environment of 17 October.

DPE Response to Waterloo Redevelopment Tenant-Only Subgroup letter - Read More…

Tenant-Only Subgroup letter to Minister about Waterloo (South) Exhibition

Waterloo Redevelopment Tenant-Only Subgroup of the Waterloo Neighbourhood Advisory Board has been vocal about their dissatisfaction with DPE's response to submissions of Waterloo South and has requested that their concerns be formally submitted to the Minister. This is the letter sent at their request.

Tenant-Only Subgroup letter to Minister about Waterloo (South) Exhibition - Read More…

Green light for Waterloo South Rezoning - Media Release

This media release from Anthony Roberts (Minister for Planning, Minister for Homes) and Natasha Maclaren-Jones (Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Disability Services) was issued on 11 November 2022 to announce the finalisation of the planning controls for Waterloo South.

Green light for Waterloo South Rezoning - Media Release - Read More…

LAHC Briefing on "People and Place" framework for Waterloo

This presentation was given to REDWatch on 6 October 2022 by LAHC. The Presentation sets out the approach being taken by LAHC to community consultations about the "people" aspects of the Waterloo Estate redevelopment that LAHC want to provide to potential development partners including the CHP that will handle the social housing that will replace the existing DCJ Housing run public housing. The presentation a "deep dive" on the consultations four focus areas: Connecting with Country; Place Making; Human Services and Relocations and Support. The presentation also provides an expected time frame for the framework against the project procurement and relocations milestones.

LAHC Briefing on "People and Place" framework for Waterloo - Read More…

ALP 2022 State Conference Resolution on Public Housing

The resolution below was considered by NSW ALP Conference on Sunday 16 October 2022. The motion was strengthened by an amendment from the floor to remove the Words "in principle" from the motion so the final wording was that the motion was supported by the Conference.

ALP 2022 State Conference Resolution on Public Housing - Read More…

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