HNSW Waterloo Update January 2010

Community Gardens

The improvements to the Marton, Cook and Solander community gardens are now complete with garden beds ready for the next season’s planting by resident gardeners. The upgrade included tree pruning and removal, installation of new compost bins and repairs to garden beds.

New playground & BBQ area

The latest upgrade to Waterloo Green by Housing NSW is already attracting local residents to the new children’s playground and BBQ area on the Raglan Street side of the Green.

Housing NSW General Manager for Central Sydney Division, Kathy Roil, said Waterloo Green was now a more attractive and safer place which is helping to build a stronger sense of community in the area.

“Everyone who came along to the community consultation about Waterloo Green can see how their input helped Housing NSW put together a plan that meets the community’s needs,” she said.

Photo: Local children enjoying the new equipment

$14 million stimulus for Waterloo

Housing NSW is doing a lot of work in Waterloo to improve homes, upgrade the high rise buildings and make public areas safer. Much of this work has been made possible through the Federal Government’s National Building & Economic Stimulus funding to support the building industry.

Work which has been completed or is currently under way includes:

• Bins have been upgraded in the Dobell building
• Fire upgrades in Turanga, Cook, Banks, Marton and Solander buildings at a cost of $4 million • Hydraulic and mechanical upgrades in Cook, Banks, Marton and Solander at a cost of $2 million
• Upgrade to common area lighting at 1 and 3 Phillip Streets and various other buildings
• Lift upgrades at 180 Pitt St, 1 Phillip St, and at Turanga, Cook, Banks, Marton, Solander, Matavai, Dobell and Drysdale buildings at a cost of over $2 million.

As well, balcony repairs and new roof membrane are planned in Dobell and Drysdale buildings.

The interiors of 2,380 apartments and walk up flats are also being upgraded, at a cost of $5.8 million.

The upgrade will focus on kitchen replacements and repairs, carpet repairs and replacements and interior painting.

Over $14 million is being spent all up.

“This is the biggest injection of funds for public housing improvements in decades. It will bring much needed improvements for Waterloo public housing tenants”, said Housing NSW Area Director, Meghan Hibbert.

“This stimulus spending will improve tenants’ homes and contribute to   making public areas safer and more attractive,” she said.

Redfern Waterloo Built Environment Plan (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.

Called the BEP2, the plan 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.

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.

Contact information

In the case of emergency, dial 000.

If you see crime or anti-social behaviour, phone Redfern Police Station on 8303 5199.

After hours you can phone the Housing Contact Centre on 1300 HOUSING (1300 468 746).

Residents recently talked about their hopes for the Waterloo’s future Waterloo Update is published by:

Housing NSW, Locked Bag 4001, Ashfield BC 1800 Tel: 1300 HOUSING (1300 468 746)

Source:  Human Services - Housing NSW

Also See:  HNSW Redfern Update January 2010