Wesley Mission’s vacant RJ Williams building at 274-276 Glebe Point Road will be redeveloped into affordable housing, providing more accommodation for low-income families struggling with the cost of living.
Designed with several communal spaces and to cater for people at different life stages, it’s hoped the development will become home to key workers, families, young people and women aged over 55.
“We are in an increasing housing crisis, which is making owning or renting in Sydney unaffordable for many. The problem is particularly acute in the inner city, where the supply of affordable and social housing is nowhere near the demand,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.
“Access to affordable housing is essential for a diverse, cohesive and economically successful global city – but more importantly, it’s a basic human right, which is why the City of Sydney uses all the levers at our disposal to create more affordable housing in the area and help organisations overcome financial barriers in this kind of housing development.”
“The development comprises 39 well-appointed apartments with a total of 56 bedrooms including a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom configurations that can accommodate singles, a couple or family group,” Wesley Mission CEO Rev Stu Cameron said.
“Glebe is an ideal location for affordable housing with easy access to employment, education and public transport. Our hope is to create a community within the wider community, recreating the village environment within the inner city.”
The $3m grant comes from the City of Sydney’s affordable and diverse housing fund.
At RJ Williams, each apartment will be leased at 30% of the tenant’s gross household income.
Construction on the $16.5m development is expected to get underway mid-next year, with completion scheduled for the latter half of 2025.
Published 14 December 2023
