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The state will transform the former WestConnex dive site in Camperdown in order to deliver the first round of build-to-rent (BTR) homes for essential workers in Sydney.
This initiative was first outlined as part of the state’s 2024–25 budget, which saw the NSW government earmark $450 million for the construction of new units for essential workers in areas closer to central Sydney.
The WestConnex site in Camperdown was identified last year through the NSW government’s land audit, which was launched to find “surplus land that had been sitting unused” and could be used to develop more homes.
At this site, the NSW government’s developer Landcom is set to deliver:
- At least 200 BTR units which the government will retain ownership of, and will offer to essential workers such as health workers, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters, at a discount to market rent, through a separate subsidy.
- Roughly 300 additional units, including private units and a proportion of affordable rental housing.
- Ground floor retail or commercial lots, landscaped outdoor spaces and new pedestrian links, in order to enhance the area’s aesthetic appeal.
NSW Premier, Chris Minns, noted that the former WestConnex dive site in Sydney’s inner west has sat “unused for years”, and said the initiative will enable it to now “deliver housing for essential workers close to their jobs”.
“Essential workers are feeling the impact of the immense cost of housing and many can’t afford to live near their jobs. That’s why our plan is delivering this well-located, secure and accessible rental housing for the essential workers who keep Sydney running,” Minns said.
The state government noted that Landcom and Homes NSW were provided with the first pick of the sites identified in the land audit, with Camperdown being the first site to be developed by Landcom.
Over the course of the planning process for the units, community and stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide input on the design of the mixed-use development as applications proceed through the consultation phase.
Construction on the units is expected to begin in 2026, pending approval timelines, with the first essential workers set to move in around 2028.
Alongside the developments at Camperdown, the NSW government stated that Landcom is currently investigating additional sites for the BTR essential worker housing program.
The Property Council of Australia welcomed the NSW government’s decision, with the peak body’s NSW executive director, Katie Stevenson, stating the announcement demonstrates leadership in tackling Sydney’s housing crisis.
“This is a strong and positive step forward, with the project to include a welcome mix of BTR, affordable housing and market housing,” Stevenson said.
The director further commented that the state government’s use of BTR was a smart approach that would deliver secure, professionally managed rental homes with long-term stability.
“The Camperdown project shows how surplus government land can be put to work for essential worker housing, and government ownership of the site means rental income could help fund future expansion of the essential worker housing program,” she said.
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