Elizabeth Street Redfern Declared State Significant Precinct on Sept 9 2017

On September 9 the NSW Department of Planning and Environment declared 600-660 Elizabeth Street, Redfern a potential State Significant Precinct (SSP), in order to set new planning controls.

The 1.1-hectare Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) site is bounded by Elizabeth, Phillip, Walker and Kettle streets, opposite Redfern Oval, and includes the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) building and a large area of open space where public housing once stood. The government proposes the creation of a mixed social and private development on the site under the Communities Plus program, similar to the redevelopment of the Waterloo Estate.

Unlike the original announcement of the Waterloo redevelopment, study requirements have not yet been set for the site. The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) will engage with state agencies and the City of Sydney to prepare a list of requirements for community, technical, economic and environmental studies of the site.

The site is waterlogged, which led to the removal of the earlier housing and major problems at the PCYC. Hydraulic studies will be important in determining what can happen on this site.

The announcement states that the redevelopment can be staged, so the PCYC can continue its operations on the site in its leased premises. LAHC has been in discussions with PCYC over the last 18 months.

As the bulk of the land is vacant, LAHC hopes it can fast-track the development, and the announcement states that the “redevelopment also has the potential to support the revitalisation of the Waterloo social housing estate”, presumably as an option nearby for relocations of residents.

The team managing the Waterloo redevelopment will also look after this site. LAHC will advise the community of the study requirements and process for community engagement in preparing a proposal, once these have been determined.

This redevelopment not only provides new social housing but also opens up the possibility of a community centre being established on the northern end of the site for the Redfern public housing estate. The lack of a centre was highlighted when the Anglican Church withdrew the use of the “Redfern Centre”, which was a base for local NGOs and a community meeting place.

The article above was produced by Geoff Turnbull for the South Sydney Herald following the announcement.

Below is the content of the announcement media release from 11 September 2017:

New plan for a vibrant housing precinct at Redfern

A key government site in inner city Redfern which could deliver new homes, including more social housing, has been nominated as a State Significant Precinct.

Brendan Nelson, Deputy Secretary at Department of Planning and Environment, said the NSW Government owned 1.1-hectare site on Elizabeth St, opposite Redfern Oval, provides a unique opportunity for this area to be revitalised.

“This precinct is within easy walking distance of Redfern Station and the proposed Waterloo Metro Quarter, making it an ideal location to deliver more social housing as part of a mixed community while at the same time contributing to housing supply in Sydney generally,” Mr Nelson said.

“This site will provide a significant supply of housing in a key location less than 3km from the Sydney CBD which aligns with the NSW Government’s goal to renew and grow the supply of social, affordable and private housing in accessible locations.

“This project will inspire a cohesive community with the inclusion of a new multi-purpose community centre and recreational facilities for residents.”

There is the opportunity for the staged redevelopment of the site which could enable the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) to continue activities in their existing leased building in the southern end of the site.

The Department of Planning and Environment is working closely with the Department of Family and Community Services, to deliver more social housing in the inner city and furthers the aim of the Communities Plus program.

The Department will engage with other government agencies and the City of Sydney to prepare study requirements that address technical, social, economic and environmental aspects of the site and will assess the proposal.

Consultation with the community will be a vital part of the planning process.

For more information:

• Communities Plus Redfern - https://www.communitiesplus.com.au/major-sites/redfern
• DPE Redfern SSD Site - http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-your-area/State-Significant-Precincts/Elizabeth-Street-Redfern