A significant urban renewal project, valued at $665 million, is on the table for Marrickville, with The Timberyards by RTL Co. now open for public exhibition. The proposal outlines a major transformation of a large industrial site into a vibrant rental housing precinct, incorporating residential, commercial, and public spaces. If approved, the development would reshape the area, introducing new housing options, green spaces, and retail amenities.
The State Significant Development Application (SSD-76927247) is open for public review from Tuesday, 25 February 2025, until Monday, 24 March 2025. Residents and stakeholders are invited to explore the details and share their feedback before the exhibition period ends.
Overview of the Proposed Development
The Timberyards is a mixed-use precinct covering multiple lots bound by Victoria Road, Sydenham Road, Farr Street, and Mitchell Street in Marrickville. The proposal focuses on providing diverse housing options, commercial spaces, and improved public amenities.
The project includes:
- Demolition and site preparation, including remediation and tree removal.
- Seven new buildings, ranging from eight to thirteen storeys.
- A two-level basement for car parking, storage, and plant areas.
- A mix of housing types, including:
- 484 build-to-rent (BTR) apartments.
- 115 affordable housing apartments.
- 589 co-living dwellings.
- 2,394m² of commercial and retail space, including a neighbourhood shop.
- Landscaped public and private spaces, with a through-site link and rooftop communal areas.
- Infrastructure upgrades, such as new footpaths and streetscape improvements.
- Subdivision and lot amalgamation, along with stratum subdivision of the proposed buildings.
The estimated cost of the development is $665 million, making it one of the largest projects in the area.
Artist impressions by Turner, Tribe Studio Architects, and Architecture AND
Current Use of the Site and the Need for Redevelopment
The site is currently occupied by industrial and light industrial buildings, along with older residential dwellings on Farr Street and Victoria Road. The area has been identified for urban renewal under Precinct 47: Victoria Road, as outlined in the Marrickville Development Control Plan (DCP) 2011.
In 2017, the rezoning of Precinct 47 aimed to transition the area from low-density industrial use into a higher-density mixed-use zone. The goal was to increase housing supply, support commercial activity, and enhance public spaces.
This development aligns with NSW Government housing strategies, including Housing 2041, the Greater Sydney Region Plan, and the National Housing Accord. These policies focus on increasing housing supply in well-located areas.
Why Build-to-Rent and Co-Living?
The proposal includes build-to-rent (BTR) housing and co-living dwellings. These models are becoming more common as Sydney faces rising rental demand and changing lifestyle needs.
Build-to-Rent Housing
BTR developments are held under single ownership and professionally managed. Unlike traditional apartment complexes, where units are sold to different owners, BTR developments maintain a consistent level of maintenance and services.
The Timberyards will provide:
- Long-term rental security for tenants.
- On-site property management for better upkeep.
- A mix of housing options to meet different needs.
Co-Living Housing
Co-living housing is designed to offer self-contained dwellings with shared communal spaces. The Timberyards will include 589 co-living dwellings, each with private kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry facilities.
This type of housing is ideal for:
- Young professionals and key workers looking for affordable, flexible living.
- People who prefer a social living environment with shared amenities.
- Those seeking well-located housing near employment and transport hubs.
Key Benefits of the Development
This development is expected to bring significant economic and social benefits, including:
- Increased rental housing supply, particularly in the Inner West LGA.
- Diverse housing options, including affordable housing and co-living.
- 115 affordable apartments, managed by City West Housing, a registered community housing provider.
- Over 8,000m² of public space, featuring a neighbourhood park, playground, and pedestrian links.
- Support for the creative sector, including rent-free artist studios and a cultural production space.
- Improved safety, with activated retail areas and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes.
The project will also deliver:
- Upgrades to footpaths, roads, and public transport access points.
- New cycling facilities and landscaped pedestrian pathways.
- A public art installation, as part of the site’s cultural integration strategy.
Landscape Plan by Arcadia
Project Team
A team of specialists is leading the development of The Timberyards:
- Developer: RTL Co.
- Urban Planner: Ethos Urban
- Architects: Turner, Tribe Studio Architects, Architecture AND
- Landscaping Consultant: Arcadia
- Urban Design Consultant: Matthew Pullinger
- Public Domain Consultant: Aileen Sage
- “Connecting with Country” Design Consultant: Yerrabingin
- Traffic Consultant: Ason Group
- Environmental and Geotechnical Consultant: JK Geotechnics
- Community Housing Partner: City West Housing
Public Exhibition and How to Have Your Say
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is conducting a public exhibition process, allowing individuals and organisations to provide feedback.
Key Exhibition Dates
- Start Date: Tuesday, 25 February 2025
- End Date: Monday, 24 March 2025
Where to View the Proposal
The full documentation is available online at the NSW Planning Portal:
https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/timberyards-rtl-co
For more information, search SSD-76927247 on the NSW Planning Portal.
