A $30 million election commitment from the Minns Labor Government to provide a much-needed boost to rental options in the Northern Rivers is now a step closer to being realised.
Landcom's plans for 50 build-to-rent apartments near the Southern Cross University at East Lismore have been approved by the Northern Regional Planning Panel - just 68 days since they were lodged with Lismore City Council.
Part of the NSW Government's build-to-rent pilot program to increase rental supply in regional communities affected by rising rents and low housing availability, the plans will provide important additional housing for the Northern Rivers region, which was impacted by major floods in 2022.
The development will feature a mix of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and budgets of different households. Close to shops, schools, open space and other community infrastructure, 20% will be affordable rental housing, supporting essential workers and people with low and moderate household incomes.
The project site at the corner of Crawford Road and Military Road is not flood prone and has been designed with sustainability and climate-resilience in mind, maximising solar access and cross ventilation for the wellbeing of residents. Other features include private off-street parking, outdoor communal spaces, landscaping featuring subtropical plants, and views to bushland in the east.
The plans were informed by community and stakeholder feedback, planning controls, and site investigations, including studies related to local traffic, the natural environment and urban design.
Landcom seek construction tender responses early next year. Subject to approvals, construction should begin in 2025, with the aim of residents moving into their new homes in 2026.
This follows the recent approval of Landcom's 50 build-to-rent homes in Bomaderry on the NSW South Coast.
To learn more about the project, visit landcom.com.au/eastlismore.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:
"Housing affordability and availability is one of the biggest pressures facing NSW residents, with regional communities like Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers region doing it particularly tough.
"The build-to-rent project at East Lismore will help to boost the supply of much-needed rental stock, while providing greater housing choice, security and affordability for future residents in well-located, well-designed and well-built homes.
"Continuing the NSW Government's ongoing efforts to support flood recovery in the Northern Rivers, the build-to-rent project will also support jobs during and beyond construction."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Rose Jackson:
"Having access to affordable and secure housing is a basic human right. We need safe, good quality, accessible homes for people in regional areas, particularly in places like the Northern Rivers which have been hit hard by devastating floods in recent years.
"Projects like these are an important step towards delivering affordable rental housing for the people of regional NSW."
Quotes attributable to Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:
"The build-to-rent project at East Lismore is a welcome investment by the NSW Government to provide secure and affordable rental options for the Lismore community.
"Landcom's build-to-rent project will help to fill gaps in the housing market, where there is a need for a greater mix of housing, with more smaller homes and housing suited to smaller households.
"I am pleased to see the pace of progress being made by Landcom, with support from Lismore City Council, to help local renters to put a roof over their head as soon as practical."
Quotes attributable to Landcom CEO Alex Wendler:
"Our vision is to transform the unused East Lismore site with much-needed homes that are well-designed, sustainable and climate-resilient, while also celebrating the region's architecture and lifestyle.
"We want future residents to be proud to call the development home, benefiting from easy access to open space, shops, services, schools and jobs.
"The speed at which we've reached this milestone is a testament to working collaboratively with Lismore City Council and other key stakeholders to fast-track home delivery."
