Commonwealth funds to plan renewal in Redfern and Waterloo - HNSW Update June 2010

Recently, the Federal Minister for Housing, Hon Tanya Plibersek, announced Commonwealth funding for preparation of a preliminary master plan for the social housing areas of Redfern and Waterloo.

Housing NSW has welcomed additional resources to assist with planning for renewal in the areas. This will build on planning work already being done for the development of the Built Environment Plan (BEP2) by Redfern Waterloo Authority and Housing NSW.

“The funding from the Housing Affodability Fund (HAF) will assist NSW to undertake the design work and background studies to develop the first stage of a master plan for the areas.  The preliminary master plan will guide building form and land use mix and provide the framework for the improvement of public areas and open space, the provision of community facilities, new environmental initiatives  and all the other elements that are important to creating a sustainable and livable community for all residents,” said Housing NSW’s General Manager, Central Sydney, Kathy Roil.

“The preliminary master plan will set the long term vision for the regeneration of the area including the renewal or replacement of aging and unsuitable social housing, and the introduction of private and affordable housing into the area.  It will set out the way forward for the implementation of the Built Environment Plan (BEP2).”

“The aim of the plan is to make sure the area has a sound future as a safe, socially and environmentally sustainable and liveable community for all residents.”

“The preliminary master plan process will be creative and inclusive. It will employ good practice community engagement and consultation approaches and ensure all stakeholders can have an input to the plan.”

The steps to renewal in Redfern and Waterloo

Renewing an area the size and complexity of Redfern and Waterloo is a long term exercise. It will involve careful analysis and planning, creative design work and the input of experts, agencies and residents.   The main steps are:

Step 1: New Planning Controls

Consultation on BEP2 will be undertaken once the plan is released by Government [Amended from printed leaflet at request of HNSW - REDWatch]. After consultation, the plan will be amended and formally exhibited. All comments will be carefully considered before the scheme is finalised and becomes a legal planning document.  

Step 2: Preliminary Master Plan

A master plan involves detailed analysis of all the elements that go to make up a sustainable community. These include housing; businesses and shops; parks and open space; community facilities; road, bike, pedestrian and public transport links. Planners, architects, government agencies and the community will all have an input to the preliminary masterplan.

Step 3: Final Master Plan

After a preliminary master plan is completed, there will be further design work, expert studies and financial modelling to get to a final master plan. The final approved plan will take account of the comments received.  

Step 4: Government Decisions on Funding

Once a master plan is approved, the NSW Government will decide on priorities for renewal and how the implementation of the master plan can be funded.  Redevelopment is likely to be a staged over a long period in multiple stages.

Step 5: Early Improvements

It is likely that some parts of the plan will be implemented using funds that are already available. Early improvements might include changes to parks and open space, new bike links or design improvements to buildings that will be retained under the master plan. 

Step 6: Staged Implementation

If the NSW Government agrees to fund the renewal, staged implementation will take place over a period of up to 30 years.    Major changes in roads, infrastructure (water, sewer, power etc) and public transport are likely to come first. Residents will be rehoused before any public housing is demolished and rebuilt.

The accompanying chart can be found as a pdf at HNSW Master Planning Approach Chart - June 2010 - PDF 54 kb.