The New South Wales government is progressing plans to use underutilised government-owned land in Sydney’s inner east for 15 new social homes.
The empty site along Nicholson Street in Woolloomooloo has remained vacant since a failed redevelopment attempt in 1989.
Its location provides future residents with immediate proximity to key employment hubs, public transport networks, and essential local services.
Initial designs outline a complex featuring 13 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments, aimed at offering safe, long-term accommodation within an established inner-city neighbourhood.
NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said it is imperative to leverage surplus public assets during an unprecedented housing shortage.
“We need to make better use of government-owned land, particularly in places like Woolloomooloo where people can live close to jobs, transport and essential services,” Jackson said.
“We’re in the middle of a housing crisis and every new social home makes a difference. This site has sat vacant for too long and we now have an opportunity to put it back to work delivering 15 new social homes for people who need them.”
Homes NSW has commenced early community consultation prior to submitting a formal Development Application to the City of Sydney in December. Residents can provide feedback via an online survey open until 30 October to help shape the Social Impact Report and influence final design elements.
Additionally, a local photo competition is underway, with selected submissions set to feature as artwork in the completed development.
Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich, who has campaigned for the site’s revitalisation for years, welcomed the announcement after decades of inactivity.
“When I first started asking about plans for this site, it had already sat empty for more than two decades,” Greenwich said.
“Now we finally have plans for new homes that will change lives, providing safe and accessible housing units for people in need.”
The New South Wales government is progressing plans to use underutilised government-owned land in Sydney’s inner east for 15 new social homes.
