As the Minns Government's focus on boosting housing supply continues, Landcom is implementing a $30 million election commitment to develop a build-to-rent pilot in the Northern Rivers.
Plans for 50 apartments in East Lismore that are well-designed, climate-resilient and sustainable have been released for community and stakeholder feedback.
Led by Landcom, the development at the corner of Crawford Road at 138-146 Military Road will deliver secure rental housing in a region impacted by rising rents and low housing availability.
Twenty percent of the apartments will be affordable rental housing for those on low and moderate household incomes, such as the essential workers who keep our cities and towns moving.
Set to include a mix of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and budgets of different households, future residents will be close to shops, schools, Southern Cross University, open space and other community infrastructure.
Work is underway to finalise the design and planning in preparation for the lodgement of the development application with Lismore City Council in the coming months. Subject to approvals, construction is projected to begin in 2025 with residents expected to move in 2026.
The site for the homes is not flood prone and the design aims to maximise solar access and cross ventilation for the wellbeing of future tenants. The development will also include private off-street parking, as well as outdoor communal spaces, a mix of subtropical plants and views to bushland in the east.
Locals can have their say about the draft design concept by completing Landcom's online survey by Wednesday 7 August 2024.
Landcom will also hold a community information and feedback session on Thursday 1 August 2024 at East Lismore Bowling Club. Locals can drop-in any time between 5pm and 8pm to learn more, ask the project team questions and share their thoughts. Light refreshments will be provided.
For more information about the project and to complete the online survey, visit Join In, Landcom's community engagement portal: https://www.joinin.landcom.nsw.gov.au/eastlismorebtr
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:
"Regional NSW has not been immune from housing pressures. Through this build-to-rent pilot project residents will have access to well-located, well-designed and well-built homes.
"The Government committed to a build-to-rent pilot at the election and this project in East Lismore will help to boost the supply of much-needed rental stock while providing greater housing security and stable rents.
"The build-to-rent project continues the NSW Government's ongoing efforts to support flood recovery in the Northern Rivers."
Quotes attributable to Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:
"There is an essential need for more homes across regional NSW and locals in Lismore were already doing it tough before the floods in 2022, when around 40% of local rental households were experiencing rental stress.
"I advocated strongly for this build-to-rent project, a welcome investment by the NSW Government to provide secure and affordable rental options for the Lismore community.
"It's good to see Landcom seeking to help local renters to put a roof over their head as soon as practical, while also planning to deliver housing that is in tune with the local environment."
Quotes attributable to Landcom CEO Alex Wendler:
"Beyond helping to boost housing supply and tackle the housing crisis head on, we are aiming for a high-quality and attractive development that is climate-resilient and sustainable so that future residents are proud to call it home.
"Community feedback is a key component of our planning process and I encourage locals to have their say about our plans."
