Key workers, students, cleaners, and childcare workers are all a step closer to better access to affordable housing in central Wollongong with the approval of 145 new homes including 25 affordable units.
Since the introduction of the Minns Government's Infill Affordable Housing Bonus in late 2023, where projects can receive up to a 30 per cent increase in height or Floor Space Ratio (FSR) if they maintain at a minimum 10 per cent for affordable housing for at least 15 years, there has been a strong pipeline of projects with recent approvals in North Sydney, Rhodes and Burwood.
But Wollongong is set for a housing boost with the first project approved under the pathway outside of Greater Sydney, providing greater access to private and affordable homes alongside shops, cafes and more parking.
The project, worth nearly $70 million, will provide 145 apartments, including 25 affordable housing units, within two 10-storey buildings above a shared podium.
The mixed-use development, led by The Smith Street Development Partnership, will be built at 106 and 120-122 Smith Street and 3A Charlotte Street in Wollongong.
The affordable units will be managed by community housing provider, Evolve Housing, to make sure they remain available to low and moderate income households for the next 15 years.
The development includes ground floor commercial and retail spaces as well as parking for 185 cars, and easy access to public transport, schools, and other essential services
The project is expected to create 305 jobs during construction, with 30 ongoing jobs as part of the new retail space, once completed.
During the public exhibition period the proposal received three submissions. The concerns outlined in these submissions have been addressed through conditions of consent relating to flood management and road upgrades to support the development.
Choice and diversity are at the centre of the Minns Government's planning reforms, choice of where you want to live, when you want to live there and the variety of services and amenities you have access to.
The development has been approved as a State Significant Development (SSD) as part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to delivering well-located housing close to transport, shops, and job opportunities.
Under the Infill Affordable Housing pathway, there are currently 29 projects under assessment, which if approved would deliver approximately 8,000 homes, including 2,400 affordable homes.
There have been nine affordable housing projects determined since 1 July 2024, which once constructed will deliver 2,010 homes, including 536 affordable homes.
For more information visit Shoptop housing with in-fill affordable housing Smith Street, Wollongong | Planning Portal - Department of Planning and Environment
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
"The need for affordable housing close to transport, jobs and amenities is not just something that needs to be delivered in Sydney, cities like Wollongong need this diversity of housing stock too.
"This will help health workers, teachers and other front-line workers or low to medium income families be able to work closer to home in a modern, purpose-built development with excellent new amenities.
"The infill affordable housing bonus scheme is generating strong interest with proposals for thousands of new homes being considered across the state.
"The centre of our cities need to provide homes for a mix of people across all income levels and the Minns Government's approach allows the delivery of affordable housing, alongside market housing, in good locations.
"The Department reviewed the application closely, in consultation with Wollongong City Council, the community and other relevant stakeholders. The approved development will see the development of a vacant site close to the Wollongong city centre to provide much-needed housing."
