Decision details

Minute by the Lord Mayor

To Council:

I am very pleased to inform Council that the St George Community Housing development at 11 Gibbons Street, Redfern, has won an award for excellence in affordable development.

Judges for the 2022 Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW awards called this “outstanding project” a “clear winner in the Affordable Housing category”.

The City of Sydney made this development possible by selling land at a discounted rate to St George Community Housing in order to increase the number of affordable and social housing dwellings across the local government area, particularly in Redfern. To date, we have sold surplus City land for affordable housing with a total discount of $19.2 million.

The well-designed social and affordable apartments on Gibbons Street replaced a former council depot. The development includes 27 fully adaptable homes for people with disabilities and 40 per cent of the apartments are home to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These apartments also achieve an 8-star rating under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, which means they are more efficient and sustainable, and residents will spend less on their energy bills. 

Designed by architects, DKO, the development contains a number of communal spaces and facilities for families and children, with a view to promoting social, cultural and physical activity on site.

In keeping with the important historical and cultural significance of the area, artworks by Aboriginal artist Joe Hurst have been integrated throughout the building. Though Joe recently passed away, his art will continue to bring joy to the residents of 11 Gibbons Street, as well as to those who knew him.

COUNCILLOR CLOVER MOORE

Lord Mayor

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Scully –

It is resolved that Council:

(A)      congratulate all those involved in the development of 11 Gibbons Street, Redfern, on winning the 2022 UDIA NSW Award for Excellence in Affordable Development; and

(B)      reaffirm our commitment to supporting the development of well-designed social and affordable housing across the City of Sydney.

Carried unanimously

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