Orange Mayor Tony Mileto has welcomed the latest milestone in plans to develop the new Redmond Place housing estate, with the NSW Government giving the project rezoning approval.
In short: Local housing development is the state's first to be fast-tracked by the state government under new affordable housing legislation.
The latest planning permission approves rezoning of the site.
What's next: Construction is expected to begin next year.
The 330 home development is the first rezoning proposal to be finalised under the Minns Government's Social and Affordable Housing Rezoning Pathway which seeks to accelerate rezoning proposals for NSW communities in need.
The precinct will dedicate at least 20 per cent of the homes as affordable housing to make sure there are more affordable places to live.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said the approval is a sign of steady progress.
"Now that the project has the green light, I look forward to seeing shovels in the ground to bring this vital development to life," Mayor Tony Mileto said.
"Alongside the process of approving rezoning, work is well under way to produce a Development Control Plan for the site which will set the tone for the neighbourhood and set guidelines from the kind of housing that can be built.
"Once that's in place, Landcom can lodge a development application with Council for the subdivision design."
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has prioritised the Redmond Place rezoning so more homes can be delivered in a shortened timeframe for those who would otherwise not be able to afford to rent privately.
Landcom will work closely with Orange City Council to deliver this new neighbourhood which will feature a variety of open space areas, parks and shared community facilities in a safe and well-connected street network.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully welcomed the approval.
"Redmond Place precinct will deliver quality affordable housing in Orange for families, essential workers and vulnerable people," Mr Paul Scully said,
"We're not just building 330 new homes, we're also building a community with parks and shared infrastructure to create a place people are proud to call home.
Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said the project would deliver core housing options in Orange.
"As Orange continues to grow, so too must its housing options. Redmond Place will offer a mix of homes including single dwellings, duplexes, town houses and low-rise apartments, delivering greater choice and affordability," Ms Tara Moriarty said.
Member for Orange Philip Donato believes the Redmond Place housing project will be good for Orange.
"Orange is a growing community and projects like the Redmond Place Precinct will allow it to continue to thrive," Mr Phil Donato said.
"These 330 homes are great news for Orange and will help to keep the great Australian dream of owning a home a reality in the Central West."
