An affordable housing project planned for 25–27 Boyd Street, Tweed Heads, is now available for public review. The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has made the plans accessible online, encouraging the community to share their feedback. Homes NSW, the organisation leading the project, aims to address the region’s urgent need for affordable housing.
Details of the Proposed Development
The proposal includes the construction of a 13-storey residential flat building (RFB) on the currently vacant site, with an estimated development cost of $51 million. This project focuses entirely on providing affordable housing. Key features of the development include:
- 80 units, consisting of 41 one-bedroom and 39 two-bedroom apartments.
- Communal spaces such as a ground-floor community room and landscaped areas.
- Two basement levels offering 66 parking spaces and additional bicycle storage facilities.
- Sustainable design elements, including natural ventilation, optimised solar orientation, and deep soil landscaping.
The site, located close to public transport, recreational facilities, and community services, is ideal for addressing the growing demand for affordable housing in Tweed Heads. The development replaces a demolished eight-unit townhouse complex, revitalising the area while aligning with the Tweed City Centre Local Environmental Plan (LEP).
Addressing the Need for Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is a critical issue in Tweed Heads, where almost half of local households face rental stress. The Tweed Shire Affordable Housing Strategy estimates that an additional 4,885 affordable housing units will be needed by 2041 to meet demand.
This proposal forms part of the broader NSW Government initiative to tackle the housing crisis. Homes NSW, established in 2024, leads this effort by accelerating the delivery of social and affordable housing across the state. By integrating services such as the Land and Housing Corporation and Aboriginal Housing Office, Homes NSW works to assist individuals and families who cannot afford market-rate rentals.
The proposed site was selected for its proximity to public transport, employment hubs, and essential services. Additionally, the project contributes to the revitalisation of Tweed City Centre and supports the area’s transition into a vibrant urban hub.
Why Community Feedback is Important
The public exhibition phase is crucial, as it provides an opportunity for the community to review the plans and have their voices heard. Residents and stakeholders can access key documents, including technical studies, environmental assessments, and design plans, via the DPHI website.
Community feedback has already played an important role in shaping the proposal. During earlier consultations, stakeholders raised concerns about traffic impacts, parking availability, and overshadowing. The design team addressed these issues through detailed revisions and assessments. Now, the public exhibition phase allows the wider community to influence the final outcome.
Features and Potential Impacts of the Proposal
The development includes several design features to maximise community benefits while minimising potential drawbacks:
- Urban Integration: The building’s design complements the local urban character and minimises overshadowing impacts on nearby properties.
- Traffic and Parking Solutions: The inclusion of 66 parking spaces and bicycle storage facilities, along with a traffic management plan, helps mitigate concerns about congestion.
- Sustainability: The project incorporates environmentally friendly features, such as natural ventilation, efficient energy use, and landscaped areas, to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Community Amenities: Communal spaces, including a landscaped area and ground-floor community room, aim to foster social connection and enhance safety.
These features ensure the project aligns with state and local planning priorities while addressing environmental and social objectives.
How to Participate in the Public Exhibition
Residents and stakeholders are strongly encouraged to participate in the public exhibition phase. This process allows community members to review the proposal in detail and provide feedback. Submissions can be made directly through the DPHI website.
By engaging in this process, the community can help ensure the development meets local needs and expectations. Feedback during this stage will play a key role in shaping the future of this significant project.
Project Team
The project involves a team of experts who bring their skills and experience to every stage of the development:
- Developer: Homes NSW
- Urban Planner: Beam Planning
- Architect: CKDS
- Landscape Architect: Xeriscapes
- Accessibility Consultant: Purple Apple Access
- Traffic Consultant: SECA Solutions
- Noise Consultant: Spectrum
- Ecology and Heritage Consultant: AMBS Ecology and Heritage
- Civil Engineer: Northrop Engineers
For more information or to leave feedback, search application number SSD-72700708 on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s website.
