New affordable homes to house Sydney’s essential workers in $450m project
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Photo by Gaurav Kumar
The NSW government will transform a former WestConnex site in Camperdown into affordable housing for essential workers under a $450 million development plan.
The project will deliver 200 build-to-rent units for health workers, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters at below-market rates.
An additional 300 units will be built as private residences and affordable rental housing.
The development site’s location near Royal Prince Alfred Hospital aims to provide accommodation for healthcare workers, with transport links and education centres nearby.
Premier Chris Minns said essential workers were struggling with Sydney’s housing costs.
“Essential workers are feeling the impact of the immense cost of housing and many can’t afford to live near their jobs,” Mr Minns said.
The project marks the first successful outcome of the NSW Government’s Land Audit initiative to repurpose unused government land for housing.
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Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the first residents expected to move in by 2028.
Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the development addressed concerns about workers being priced out of local areas.
“This is about providing much-needed affordable housing for the next generation of Sydneysiders so they can continue to live and work in their local areas,” Ms Jackson said.
The development will include retail spaces, landscaped outdoor areas and new pedestrian links.
Landcom, the government’s developer, is exploring additional sites as part of its essential worker housing program.
Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Bryne backed the development plan.
“We desperately need more affordable housing for essential workers in the Inner West and this project will make a real dent in the problem,” Mr Bryne said.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the new rental homes would improve quality of life for essential workers by providing greater housing choice and security.