Plans Filed for $30m ‘Climate–Resilient’ BtR at Lismore

Landcom has filed plans for a mid-rise build-to-rent project in NSW’s  Northern Rivers region aimed at supporting essential workers and residents affected by the disastrous 2022 floods.

Plans filed with Lismore City Council show a 50-apartment project for a site at the corner of 32 Crawford Road and 138-146 Military Road, East Lismore. 

The NSW Government–owned Landcom said it would “deliver secure rental housing in a region impacted by rising rents and low housing availability”.

Of the apartments, 20 per cent will be affordable rental housing for low and moderate household incomes, such as essential workers.

On offer will be studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments plus five terrace-style townhouses. 

Climate-resilient features, according to the architectural design report for the site, will minimise south-facing homes and outdoor spaces to avoid mould, and maximise north-facing units to capitalise on solar access. 

The plans would consider the “hybrid climate” of subtropical summer and cold winter temperatures with window-to-wall ratio, insulation levels and passive design strategies, it said.

Part of the project brief is also to help Landcom commit to being carbon neutral and water positive with zero waste and net positive ecological outcomes by 2028.

▲ Even before the 2022 floods, around 40 per cent of rental households were experiencing rental stress, according to NSW Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.

“Beyond helping to boost housing supply and tackle the housing crisis head on, we are aiming for a high-quality and attractive development that is climate-resilient and sustainable so that future residents are proud to call it home,” Landcom chief executive Alex Wendler said.

The application said that “the delivery of a high-quality BtR project in this location will significantly enhance local housing opportunities for a range of residents including key workers, sole-person households, families and long-term rental households”.

The vacant site earmarked for development is in the “established urban area” of East Lismore, near the Southern Cross University Lismore campus and the Wyrallah Road Shopping Centre.

Subject to approvals, construction is projected to begin in 2025 with residents expected to move in 2026.

Landcom has also filed plans for a build-to-rent project in the state’s south, a $30-million project at Bomaderry.

The NSW Government has thrown its weight behind the sector, earmarking $450 million to build more than 400 build-to-rent homes over the next three years.