$2 MILLION TO BOOST NEW PLANS FOR THE BLOCK IN REDFERN

$2 MILLION TO BOOST NEW PLANS FOR THE BLOCK IN REDFERN

The NSW Government will provide $2 million to re-develop and revitalise The Block in Redfern — creating 62 homes and providing 9,000 metres of commercial, community and cultural space.

The revitalisation of The Block — known officially as the Pemulwuy Project — will create 300 jobs. This comprises 200 in construction and another 100 ongoing jobs once the project is completed.

Premier Kristina Keneally today announced the funding during a visit to Redfern with Member for Marrickville, Carmel Tebbutt.

"For many years, the Block has played an important role in the local community as well as the wider Indigenous community," Ms Keneally said.

"Its renewal and redevelopment will ensure that it continues to play just as an important role in the future."

The Pemulwuy Project will occur in three stages and includes;

• More than 15,000 square metres of floor area for a range of commercial, retail, cultural and community uses including up to 62 residential apartments;
• Parking for more than 70 vehicles;
• At least 500 square metres of open space; and
• Conceptual landscape design.

The $2 million grant will allow the Aboriginal Housing Company to complete the Development Application process and demolish all remaining properties on the Block.

The DA and demolition process is part of the $60 million project to create a new residential, commercial and cultural precinct for the local Redfern community.

"While this project is still in the early stages, it is exciting to see it move forward," Ms Tebbutt said.

"I look forward to this historic site becoming a sustainable and safe area for local residents and businesses, as well as Indigenous Australians.

"The NSW Government recognised the importance of this project when we approved the Pemulwuy Plan in July 2009.

"Today's funding announcement is a further example of the Government's support for and faith in this project."

This funding was approved by Cabinet before Friday 4 March 2011 — in line with the NSW Government's caretaker conventions.