Redfern Waterloo Built Environment Plan Stage 2 (BEP2) Update November 2009

REDFERN WATERLOO BUILT ENVIRONMENT PLAN - Stage 2 (BEP2) Update - November 2009

What is BEP2

The Redfern Waterloo Authority (RWA) and Housing NSW have been working on a Built Environment Plan covering Housing NSW owned land in Redfern and Waterloo. It is called BEP2 and follows the BEP1 which covered a number of State Government owned sites in Redfern and Waterloo.

The BEP2 will propose important planning rules  and controls (which may include maximum heights and floor space ratios) for what can be built on this land in the future. It will therefore set a framework for renewal and redevelopment of Housing NSW properties over at least the next 20 — 30 years, especially in the areas of concentrated public housing (set out in the map on the back of this Fact Sheet).

The aim of the BEP2 is to develop a planning scheme to revitalize public housing, improve public areas and open space, and achieve more social mix in the areas of public housing concentration by providing more affordable housing and privately owned homes.

The Government is committed to the retention of social housing in Redfern and Waterloo. It is a key part of the culture and history of this area. All existing tenancies are secure and the high rise towers will be retained.

We expect a draft BEP2 will be available for public comment in the early part of 2010.

We want you to have a say on the BEP2

Housing NSW and the RWA will be conducting a thorough consultation process. We want public housing residents and the broader community to tell us what they think about the plan and give us their ideas for the renewal of public housing areas in Redfern and Waterloo.

We will give you the information you need to comment on the BEP2. We will hold large and small consultation events so you can understand what's in the plan and how it might impact on you, and then ask for your feedback on what the plan proposes. We will hold sessions in the main community languages. There will be lots of opportunities to get information and to have your say.

We will then assess what you told us, and incorporate, where possible, the community's comments on the plan. We will give you feedback on how the plan may have changed and if community views could not be taken into account, why not.

Renewal has already begun

Renewal has already begun in the areas with the construction of new public housing homes on the site bounded by Phillip, Morehead, Kettle and Walker Streets. A plan for redevelopment of the adjoining site fronting Elizabeth St has been lodged fix^- planning approval with the City of Sydney. Housing NSW is also spending significant funds this year on improvements to lifts, roofs, sewer connections (and much more) in the high rise buildings and an improvement plan is being implemented for the Waterloo Green area.

How can I find out more?

We will produce regular newsletters to update you on the BEP2 and tell you how and when you can have your say. So stay tuned.

If you want to talk to someone about this information sheet ring Bernie Coates at Housing NSW on 9268 3487 or Julie Parsons at the RWA on 9202 9100.