More than 250 new affordable homes and critical ministry infrastructure are set to be developed in Bankstown and Regents Park, providing a much-needed boost for west and southwest Sydney. The projects secured funding under the Federal Government's Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF).
“We've been looking for more innovative ways to use the properties we've been provided with by generations past to minister to and serve the communities of which we are part,” says the CEO of Sydney Anglican Property, Ross Jones. “Our two sites, Bankstown and Regents Park, will provide integrated social infrastructure comprising church space, preschools, some limited cafe and retail space and, importantly, about 260 social and affordable apartments.”
Mr Jones says the contracts came after months of hard work and prayer, and now work can progress on development applications.
Beyond the social and affordable housing to address the significant shortage, the Bankstown project encompasses:
- a new church and ministry centre for worship and community use with seating for up to 500 on the current site of St Paul's church;
- 185 social and affordable housing units for essential workers, seniors and women over 55;
- a preschool to support young families;
- retail spaces in a vibrant new local hub;
- housing for ministry staff.
“St Paul’s has been a part of Bankstown for over 100 years, and we’re committed to remaining here for generations to come," says Bankstown's senior minister, the Rev Peter Ko. "Our current facilities are no longer fit for purpose, but this redevelopment ensures we can continue serving the local community while also helping address Sydney’s housing crisis.
“We’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
Inset: Artist’s impression of the Bankstown tower
At Regents Park, the former church site on Edwin Street and Kingsland Road will be transformed into:
- 74 social housing units – 100 per cent of housing onsite dedicated to those in need;
- shared community spaces to foster connection among residents and the option for church activities.
The Rev Mike Doyle, rector of St James’, Berala (which oversees Regents Park), sees this project as a new way to bless the community.
“With the Regents Park site no longer used for gatherings, we wanted to ensure it remained a blessing to the community,” he says. “And what better way to do that than by providing homes for those who need them most? I can’t wait for the day when new residents move in – we’ll be ready to welcome them into a neighbourhood we love to call home.”
Above: Projected development at Regent’s Park
The projects are a partnership between Sydney Anglican Property, the Sustainable Development Group and Anglicare Sydney, with Anglicare serving as the operator and service provider for both projects.
“We have been blessed with properties across Greater Sydney, provided through the faithfulness of previous generations," Mr Jones says. “We now have an opportunity to activate these properties through the provision of social and affordable housing along with concurrent upgrading of church facilities to cater for the needs of modern churches.”
Main photo: Artist's impression of the finished Bankstown development
