Design Concept Released for Build-to-Rent Development in East Lismore

The Minns Government, focused on boosting housing supply, has announced a $30 million commitment to develop a build-to-rent pilot in the Northern Rivers. Landcom has released plans for 50 well-designed, climate-resilient, and sustainable apartments in East Lismore for community and stakeholder feedback.

Project Details:

• Location: Corner of Crawford Road at 138-146 Military Road, East Lismore.
• Purpose: Deliver secure rental housing in a region affected by rising rents and low housing availability.
• Affordability: 20% of the apartments will be affordable rental housing for low and moderate-income households, including essential workers.
• Amenities: Close to shops, schools, Southern Cross University, open space, and other community infrastructure.
• Design Features:
  • Not flood prone.
  • Maximises solar access and cross ventilation.
  • Includes private off-street parking, outdoor communal spaces, subtropical plants, and views of bushland in the east.

Timeline:

• Design and Planning: Ongoing, with the development application to be lodged with Lismore City Council in the coming months.
• Construction: Expected to begin in 2025.
• Completion: Residents expected to move in by 2026.

Community Engagement:

Locals are invited to provide feedback on the draft design concept by completing Landcom’s online survey by Wednesday, 7 August 2024. Additionally, a community information and feedback session will be held on Thursday, 1 August 2024, at East Lismore Bowling Club from 5 pm to 8 pm. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information and to complete the online survey, visit here.

Quotes:

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully: “Regional NSW has not been immune from housing pressures. Through this build-to-rent pilot project, residents will have access to well-located, well-designed, and well-built homes. This project will help boost the supply of much-needed rental stock while providing greater housing security and stable rents. The build-to-rent project continues the NSW Government’s efforts to support flood recovery in the Northern Rivers.”

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin: “There is an essential need for more homes across regional NSW, and locals in Lismore were already struggling before the floods in 2022, with around 40% of local rental households experiencing rental stress. I advocated strongly for this build-to-rent project, which will provide secure and affordable rental options for the Lismore community. It’s good to see Landcom seeking to help local renters while planning to deliver housing in tune with the local environment.”

Landcom CEO, Alex Wendler: “Beyond boosting housing supply and tackling the housing crisis, we aim for a high-quality, attractive development that is climate-resilient and sustainable. Community feedback is crucial in our planning process, and I encourage locals to have their say about our plans.”

This initiative aims to address the urgent need for rental housing in East Lismore, ensuring a sustainable and community-focused development for the future.

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