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A project designed to inject new life in Waterloo South is underway, providing essential housing critical to Australia \u2013 but not everyone is happy.<\/p>\n
One of the Minns Government\u2019s key developments to help ease Sydney\u2019s housing crisis has moved closer to fruition with work crews readying the site for demolition.<\/p>\n
According to the NSW government, the project, which was first announced in 2015, will provide 21,000 new affordable and private homes, in a huge boost to potential homebuyers.<\/p>\n
The development will also add 8,400 new public homes and upgrade 30,000 existing social housing properties.<\/p>\n
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Artist impression of the Waterloo South Renewal Project. Picture: Stockland<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is one of the most significant housing renewals in the country and I\u2019m thrilled to be moving into the next stage, offering the community their first look at the new Waterloo South,\u201d Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we came to government, we immediately reviewed the plans for the Waterloo renewal and boosted the number of public and affordable homes from 35 to 50 per cent. This was a crucial step to ensure Waterloo remains a welcoming place for people from all walks of life to call home now and into the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know how important this project is to the community and we want to hear from residents to help shape what comes next.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no time to waste in a housing crisis. I feel that urgency every day and I\u2019m looking forward to moving to the next stage of this renewal project that will deliver more than four times the number of homes currently on this site.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Waterloo South renewal is projected to cost $6.6bn.<\/p>\n
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The site is being readied for demolition. Picture: Stockland<\/p>\n
The government says: \u201cThe proposal sets out a vision for a vibrant new inner-city neighbourhood that could enable around 3,300 new homes, where at least half would be delivered as social or affordable housing. This will more than double the number of social and affordable homes currently on the site\u201d.<\/p>\n
As part of the area\u2019s transformation, Homes NSW and development firm Stockland, have lodged a Concept State Significant Development Application (SSDA).<\/p>\n
The Waterloo South renewal will be delivered in stages over the coming years to support a carefully managed transition for existing residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs delivery partner, Stockland is proud to be working with the NSW Government on the renewal of Waterloo South \u2013 a significant project with community at its heart,\u201d Stockland Managing Director and CEO Tarun Gupta said.<\/p>\n
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The project has been in the planning pipeline since 2015. Picture: NSW Government<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Concept Plan sets the framework for a liveable and inclusive neighbourhood with new social, affordable and market housing, supported by parks, services and community infrastructure.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe look forward to continuing to work closely with Homes NSW and our community housing partners to deliver a place where the community can thrive over the long term.\u201d<\/p>\n
However the project is not without opposition in the form of a public protest and police being called in.<\/p>\n
Several of the long-term residents of the 1950s era housing currently on the site on the corner of Cope and McEvoy St are refusing to budge. <\/p>\n
Police were called in on Monday as protesters tried to stop contractors fencing off public housing in the Waterloo Housing Estate ahead of its impending demolition.<\/p>\n
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