The NSW Government has today reached an agreement to deliver more long-term rental accommodation in Lismore with a site secured for the Build to Rent election commitment.

Under the agreement, Southern Cross University  and Landcom will unlock a parcel of university land to deliver 50 new rental homes with 20% set aside for affordable housing. 

The site forms part of the recently announced Heads of Agreement to deliver more than 400 homes on what is currently the University’s land at East Lismore.

The site for the Build to Rent project sits at the University’s front door, close to shops, sporting facilities, schools, and other community infrastructure – an ideal location for a development such as this.

Through this project, Landcom will facilitate the development of architecturally designed rental housing to be held in single ownership and professionally managed.

Southern Cross University, an integral part of the Lismore community, will sell approximately 4,500 m2 of university land to Landcom for the project. Landcom has secured the site under a call option deed.

Work will now commence to complete the design and planning stages in preparation of a development application. Subject to approvals, construction is expected to begin in 2025 with residents to move in in 2026.

For more information, visit East Lismore page.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“Increased access to housing, affordability, and choice continues to be the NSW Government’s priority and today’s announcement shows the Minns government delivering on our election commitment to deliver Built to Rent homes in the Northern Rivers.

“We are using every lever we can across Government to accelerate more projects that will support more homes and the partnership with Southern Cross University and Landcom is an important part of delivering much needed rental homes in Lismore.

“With Southern Cross University and Landcom, we are getting on with the job of delivering much-needed secure rental homes for the community.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said:

“The Northern Rivers had a housing and rental crisis prior to the floods, and we know that people across our region are desperately struggling to find a place to live, which is why today’s announcement is so important.

“Building rental properties will help address the problem of affordability and homelessness, we have about 0.001% available in the rental market and it's just not affordable.

“Build to Rent housing is an important part of creating more homes to give locals the security of a roof over their heads for themselves and their children. I’m pleased to see Landcom continue its expansion into regional NSW, particularly in the Northern Rivers. “

Southern Cross University Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said:

“Southern Cross University is an important part of the Lismore community, and we want to use our resources to help our city and its community rebuild and revitalise better and more resilient than ever.

“This build-to-rent development will kick start the broader project that we are currently negotiating with Landcom. Having this contract signed today will mean that we are even closer to seeing this land opened up, and to welcoming new residents, including families, students, and university staff.”

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler said:

“Following significant review of land throughout the Northern Rivers, we are now able to move forward to deliver these important rental homes into the community.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to continue and strengthen our relationship with Southern Cross University to deliver much needed housing for the people of the Northern Rivers.

“There is a lot more that we need to do but this is an important step in the process of delivering rental homes by 2026.”