The NSW Minns Labor Government is providing built for purpose rental accommodation in Lismore City - 50 rental apartments of which 10 will be affordable housing - with construction due to start in 2025.
The Northern Star, 23 July 2024:
Landcomreveal designs for $30m state government-backed build-to-rent housingproject in East Lismore
A concept image. Picture: Supplied
Design plans for a pilot $30 million, 50 apartment state government backed build-to-rent project in the Northern Rivers have been revealed.
Plans have been aired for the dozens of apartments in East Lismore by state owned corporation Landcom, spruiked as well-designed, climate-resilient and sustainable.
The plans have been released for community and stakeholder feedback.
Located at the corner of Crawford Rd and 138-146 Military Rd, the development is aimed at delivering affordable rental housing in a region impacted by rising costs and low availability.
The development is set to include a mix of apartment sizes to suit the lifestyles and budgets of different households.
Future residents will be close to shops, schools, open spaces like parks, Southern Cross University and other community infrastructure.
State Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said battlers were already doing it tough before the 2022 floods and there was increasingly “essential need” for more housing.
Ms Saffin strongly advocated for the project and said it would be a “welcome investment” for Lismore.
“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,” she said.
A pair of apartment buildings will follow the site’s slope to the south and are planned to be of a similar scale to surrounding homes. The site for the homes is not flood prone.
The three-storey northern building screens the lower-level southern building, which includes three levels above a ground floor car park.
The 50 apartments would be a mix of studios up to three-bedroom apartments. 20 per cent of the units are designated as rentals for people on low to moderate incomes.
Additionally, the development is set to have 58 secure ground floor parking spaces with access from Military Rd.
Landcom states facades, roof treatments and materials will reflect local architectural character and the project will blend in with its surrounds.
Work is underway to finalise the design and planning before lodgement of a development application with Lismore City Council in coming months. Landcom states it wants to maximise light and ventilation in the design.
Construction is projected to begin in 2025 with residents expected to move in 2026 – subject to approvals.....
Lismore residents can have their say about the draft design by completing an online survey on Landcom’s website by August 7.
The developer is also due to hold a community information and feedback session at East Lismore Bowling Club on August 1.
Residents can drop into the club to learn more, ask the project team questions and share their thoughts between 5pm-8pm.....
Landcom statement on intended Management of Housing Complex
The build-to-rent properties and tenancies at our East Lismore project will be managed by a government agency or community housing provider. Details will be made available closer to project completion.
Landcom statement on Affordable Housing
What is affordable housing?
Safe, secure and affordable housing is essential to the wellbeing of individuals, the vibrancy of our communities and the productivity of the NSW economy.
At our East Lismore project, 20% of homes will be affordable rental housing.
Affordable rental housing is housing that meets the needs of people on low to moderate incomes, such as essential workers. Rent is priced so tenants can afford other basic living costs such as food, clothing, transport, medical care and education. It is managed in accordance with the rent setting provisions of the NSW Housing Ministerial Guidelines.
Affordable rental housing is usually managed by community housing providers, which are not-for-profit, mission driven organisations who own, develop and maintain rental housing for people on very low, low and moderate incomes who require affordable homes.
Affordable housing is not the same as social housing, which is available to people on very low to low household incomes. This includes those who are struggling to afford rent and are often on the brink of homelessness. Landcom does not provide social housing.
If you are a Lismore City local government area resident you can give your opinion on this project via an online portal at:
https://landcom.com.au/projects/eastlismore
