First look at the hundreds of new homes for essential workers

The Minns Labor Government is today revealing the concept designs and plans for how the former WestConnex dive site in Annandale will transform surplus government land into around 577 new homes, including 220 dedicated to build to rent housing close to the city for essential workers.

Artist's impression of proposed development, subject to change and approvals

This marks an increase on the number of homes first announced in February after further housing potential was unlocked on the site, increasing the number of build-to-rent homes for essential workers from the original 200 to 220.

The newly unveiled project will offer quality apartments across the site, in a range of sizes and styles to suit different people's needs. 

Future residents will have easy access to the Sydney CBD, transport, public spaces, amenities and education and health centres including one of Sydney’s largest hospitals, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild our essential services while delivering critical new housing for those who need it across NSW.

The Masterplan includes:

• 220 build-to-rent units, for essential workers like health workers, teachers, police officers and firefighters will be offered at a discount to market rent.
• Approximately 357 additional units including market and a portion of affordable homes.
• Ground-floor retail or commercial space.
• Landscaped public outdoor spaces for people to meet, relax and socialise, including a central plaza with lush native greenery, shaded seating areas, and public art.
• New pedestrian links between Parramatta Road and Pyrmont Bridge Road, enhancing neighbourhood connectivity.

The project is currently under assessment with construction of the build-to-rent housing expected to start in 2026, pending approval. It’s expected the first essential workers will move in around 2028.

The Annandale site is the first secured by Landcom as part of the NSW Government’s $450 million build-to-rent essential worker housing program, with Landcom investigating additional sites in Sydney to complete the rollout of 400 new build-to-rent homes for essential workers.

This is the latest step in the NSW Government’s initiatives to work with Landcom, the NSW Government’s housing developer to increase housing supply, with preliminary works underway on new build-to-rent apartments on the NSW south coast and works set to commence later this year on new housing in the NSW Northern Rivers to boost rental supply

The NSW Government will retain ownership of the build-to-rent housing in perpetuity, with tenancies managed by a suitable operator. Details about eligibility criteria, how to apply and the rental subsidy will be available closer to project completion.

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Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“Housing is the single largest cost of living pressure people face and this block of land has sat unused for years – so we’re using it to help deliver essential housing for essential workers.

“Essential workers keep our city running everyday but too often they are being priced out of inner-city locations close to where they work.

“This project will deliver hundreds of homes that will cut both costs and commute times for it’s residents, while allowing workers to build a life close to their jobs, allowing them to deliver world class public services.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government is bringing back housing choice right across NSW.

“This project will transform unused government land in the heart of Sydney into hundreds of new homes for essential workers that are well connected to transport, shops and green public spaces.

“This is an example of density done well and thanks to smart planning by Landcom we’ve increased the number of build-to-rent homes for essential workers from the original 200 to 220.”  

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Essential workers shouldn’t have to choose between the job they love and being able to afford a home near it. This project is about turning that around.

“This is what Labor does. We use land sitting left vacant and unused to deliver for the public good. These government owned and built rentals will provide safe, affordable places for our essential workers to live.

“We’re not just tweaking the system, we’re directly intervening to build the homes people need. That’s what it takes to fix this crisis.

“We’ve already delivered the biggest increase in government built public and affordable housing in over a decade, and now we’re backing it in by building even more affordable homes.

Executive General Manager Built Form Landcom Andrew Cooper said:

"This is an exciting era for Landcom, our first build-to-rent development in an urban area.

“The Joinery Annandale’ brings together the best of the Inner West, blending well-designed homes, shops and public space with the area’s rich history and character.

“We want to build a legacy development that contributes to the neighbourhood, creating a place that future residents will be proud to call home and supporting them to become part of the community.”