Another 1600 new social and affordable homes, mixed with private housing, will be built in Riverwood in a $3.4 billion project announced by the state government.
The plan, announced by Housing Minister Brad Hazzard, builds on the success of the Washington Park urban renewal initiative.
Former premier Morris Iemma, who initiated the redevelopment of the huge public housing estate at Riverwood, attended the announcement on its extension.
Mr Iemma was appointed this year as a district commissioner, representing the southern suburbs, on the Greater Sydney Commission.
Mr Hazzard said Washington Park had demonstrated what could be achieved through creating mixed communities.
“Because we are boosting social housing and affordable housing on the site, we will be able to house more vulnerable families who are on the waiting list,” he said.
Mr Hazzard said the remaining 30.5 hectares of the Riverwood estate was being submitted as a State Significant Precinct (SSP).
This would involve planning to identify types of housing, community amenity, services and infrastructure needed for the local population.
“This new social housing will look and feel like modern private housing and that is a big shift in thinking driven by the NSW Government,“ he said.
“Redeveloping taxpayer owned land to maximize new social housing with a good mix of private housing to achieve better social outcomes is the priority.
“Conservative estimates tell us we can get at least 1600 new social and affordable homes, but there is a lot of planning and community consultation to do before we settle on final figures.”
Mr Hazzard said the redevelopment project could be a potential $3.4 billion injection into the state economy, along with the creation of over 500 construction jobs.
“There is little cost to taxpayers as the new social housing is paid for by the private development,” he said.
Mr Hazzard said existing residents in social housing in the estate would be able to continue to live in Riverwood, in the new housing.
It would be two years before any resident would have to temporarily relocate to allow new building works to begin, he said.
Oatley MP Mark Coure said: “The redevelopment shows the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver more social housing, increase overall housing supply and create jobs.”
Residents, the community and other stakeholders will have their say on the precinct in coming months.
It is anticipated the plans will be placed on public exhibition in March – April 2017.