AFFORDABLE HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT

For a hundred years it has held the mantle of the densest population in Australia with 98% of residents living in apartments, yet without modern high-rise buildings. The low-rise historic profile of the neighbourhood is a template for high density living. The large number of studio and one-bedroom apartments provides a unique source of affordable accommodation close to the city and underpins the extraordinary diversity of the residents and the fascinating social and cultural record that is an integral part of the community’s charm and appeal.

Potts Point/Elizabeth Bay is a template for high-density low-rise living in Sydney but is losing affordable housing. Currently 8 redevelopments we will have a net loss of 150 apartments to the community. More importantly, from 274 original apartments every one of the 227 one-bedroom and studio apartments will be lost and replaced with 124 3-4 bedroom apartments. (see table below) This is a tragic and unnecessary loss of affordable housing for long-term tenants and owners who will be forced out of the area. This is in stark contrast to the Government’s aim of providing more affordable housing yet is not protecting existing stock of affordable apartments.

The loss of housing stock, loss of affordable housing and loss of these long-term residents is damaging our special and broad diversity which has been a hallmark of the community for a century and more. Whether the buildings are all heritage worthy is one question, as is whether remediation would be better than demolition, but the loss of local cultural diversity is a true diminishing of Sydney’s heritage.