The Minns Labor Government, alongside NSW Government’s development agency Landcom, has unveiled its plans to transform surplus public land in Annandale into a new mixed-tenure residential and Build to Rent precinct.
The new precinct will comprise 577 homes, including 220 Build to Rent apartments reserved for essential workers. The scheme reflects a broader strategic shift in NSW’s approach to public land utilisation, as housing pressures mount across Sydney.
The number of Build to Rent homes for essential workers has been increased from an initial 200 to 220, following further feasibility and planning work that identified additional capacity on the site.
The remaining 357 residences will include a mix of market-rate and affordable homes, further expanding housing supply close to key employment and education hubs.
“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.”
Andrew Cooper, Executive General Manager Built Form, Landcom
This is the first site to be secured under the NSW Government’s $450m Build to Rent program targeting essential worker housing and marks a significant milestone in the state’s evolving housing strategy.
Landcom is leading the delivery of the Annandale site and is actively reviewing additional locations across Sydney as part of the broader rollout of 400 Build to Rent homes under the program.
“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.”
Paul Scully, Minister, Planning and Public Spaces
The Build to Rent component will be retained in public ownership indefinitely, with professional tenancy management to be handled by a yet-to-be-announced operator.
Rental discounts will apply for eligible workers in frontline sectors such as healthcare, education, emergency services, and law enforcement, though detailed eligibility criteria will be released closer to the scheme’s delivery.
Located on the former WestConnex dive site, the development is within easy reach of the Sydney CBD, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and major transport links.
Landscaped public spaces, a central plaza, ground-floor retail offerings, and improved pedestrian access between Parramatta Road and Pyrmont Bridge Road are central features of the proposed masterplan.
“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.”
Rose Jackson, Minister, Housing
These additions aim to improve neighbourhood connectivity and contribute to a sense of place for future residents. Pending planning approval, construction of the Build to Rent homes is expected to commence in 2026, with the first residents, including essential workers, anticipated to move in by 2028.
The Annandale initiative complements Landcom’s existing pipeline of Build to Rent schemes, including preliminary works already underway on the NSW South Coast and the Northern Rivers.
“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.”
Chris Minns, Premier, NSW
By retaining long-term ownership of the Build to Rent homes, the Government is ensuring these dwellings remain part of the public rental landscape. The Annandale scheme demonstrates how policy-led investment can deliver secure, well-located housing with a clear focus on essential workers.
