The NSW Government, in partnership with Landcom, is driving a $450 million initiative to provide affordable housing for essential workers. A flagship part of this effort is the Camperdown build-to-rent (BTR) development. This project will transform a former WestConnex dive site into a vibrant precinct, offering rental homes near major employment hubs such as Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the University of Sydney. It prioritises housing for workers like nurses, teachers, and emergency responders who often face affordability challenges.
Camperdown: A Flagship Housing Development
Landcom’s Camperdown project aims to directly address the housing challenges essential workers face in Sydney. The timeline starts in 2025, with site acquisition, planning, and community consultations. Development applications are expected by mid-2025, with construction planned to begin in 2026. Completion is projected for 2028, when the first residents will move in.
This development will include residential units, public spaces, and commercial facilities, creating a connected and accessible urban hub. Essential workers will benefit from long-term rental security, professional management, and reduced commuting times due to the site’s strategic location near employment hubs and transport links.
Artist impression of concept design by Landcom
Why Build-to-Rent is Important
The build-to-rent model has grown in popularity for addressing housing affordability issues. These developments remain under single ownership and are purpose-built for long-term rental. Benefits include stable leases, professionally managed properties, and shared amenities like green spaces and recreational areas. For essential workers, this model ensures they have access to well-located, secure housing, improving their quality of life.
Regional Housing Initiatives: East Lismore and Bomaderry
While Camperdown is a central part of Landcom’s efforts, the organisation is also developing similar projects in regional NSW, including East Lismore and Bomaderry. These initiatives show Landcom’s broader commitment to affordable housing solutions.
East Lismore: Landcom’s $30 million BTR development in East Lismore addresses acute housing shortages in the Northern Rivers region, worsened by natural disasters. The site, located near Lismore Base Hospital, provides affordable housing for essential workers. For more information, read our article on the BRT in East Lismore.
Bomaderry: The Bomaderry project, on the NSW South Coast, supports regional workers by providing family-friendly housing. It is close to Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital and schools, ensuring access to services. Bomaderry’s focus on essential workers highlights the importance of regional housing solutions alongside metropolitan developments.
Sustainable and Community-Focused Design
Landcom prioritises sustainability and community integration in its projects. Although detailed environmental features for Camperdown are yet to be finalised, similar developments have included energy-efficient systems, green infrastructure, and water-saving technologies. These measures reduce environmental impact while keeping costs low for tenants.
The Camperdown project also contributes to urban renewal by transforming underutilised spaces into productive, liveable areas. Integrating housing with commercial and public facilities fosters a vibrant community environment.
The Bigger Picture: Building for the Future
The Camperdown BTR project exemplifies the NSW Government’s commitment to improving housing access for essential workers. Together with initiatives in East Lismore and Bomaderry, it reflects a growing shift toward affordable, sustainable rental housing across the state.
These developments highlight the potential of build-to-rent housing to address affordability while supporting workers who are essential to NSW communities. As Landcom progresses with its plans, the lessons from Camperdown will likely shape similar initiatives, offering a blueprint for future housing solutions.
For more information, visit Landcom Camperdown, Landcom Bomaderry, and East Lismore Project.
