Media releases

Transforming a Redfern car park into affordable aged care

Published 23 October 2024

The City of Sydney is calling for expressions of interest to redevelop a Redfern council car park into a not-for-profit aged care facility for at least 50 older people.

Proposals are invited from registered not-for-profit residential aged care providers to design, build and operate the facility at 49 Cope Street. The project will be delivered by or in partnership with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations or providers.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore AO said that while housing is the responsibility of the NSW Government, the City of Sydney is being as creative as possible with land it manages to help those who need it most.

“There is a desperate need for culturally appropriate aged care in inner Sydney. We're selling this site for a token $1 to a community housing provider on the condition it delivers aged care in perpetuity, and a 55-space community car park under the development,” the Lord Mayor said.

“This makes the affordable and diverse housing project viable, while locals will continue to have space to park their cars.

“We’ve heard what Redfern residents want and will make sure Aboriginal organisations and communities are at the centre of the delivery and operation of this new project.”

The City of Sydney is also transferring 240sqm of existing space on Cope Street to Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care to keep as an outdoor area.

The City of Sydney is on track to see 5,237 affordable and diverse dwellings built by 2036.

This is achieved through developer levies, discounted land sales, grants through our affordable and diverse housing fund, and through planning agreements.

Visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/opportunities/build-run-affordable-residential-aged-care-facility-redfern to find out more about this project and to submit a proposal.

Applications must be lodged by 11am Friday 28 February 2025.

The outcome of this expressions of interest process will be reported back to Council for consideration early next year.

For media enquiries contact Roxanne Macara. Phone 0438 554 640 or email rmacara@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For interviews with Clover Moore AO, Lord Mayor of Sydney contact Zoe Delamare. Phone 0477 263 615 or email zdelamare@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au