‘Innovative’ plan to help combat Coffs Coast’s housing crisis forges on

Local builders and housing providers have submitted their visions on how high density housing could be brought to ‘Argyll Estate’ near the heart of the Coffs Coast.

There are plans by the NSW Government to redevelop 'Argyll Estate' as the Coffs Coast experiences ongoing housing challenges, including affordability and a shortage of new homes. Photo: Jasmine Minhas

Builders and community housing providers have thrown their hats in the ring with their visions on just how Coffs Harbour’s ‘Argyll Estate’ could be transformed in the face of the city’s housing shortage.

An Expression of Interest which was opened by Housing Minister Melinda Pavey in April has now closed, and the responses are being evaluated.

Close to Park Beach Plaza, ‘Argyll Estate’ is located south of Bray St and consists of 127 social housing properties and two vacant lots owned by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and the Aboriginal Housing Office.

The EOI for the redevelopment was prompted by the increased focus on housing availability in recent months – with the pandemic seeing rental vacancies drop to near zero in some areas while property prices surged.

There are plans by the NSW Government to potentially redevelop 'Argyll Estate'.

A spokesperson told The Advocate that the next steps in the potential redevelopment project will be announced once the evaluation is complete.

“The NSW Land and Housing Corporation and the Aboriginal Housing Office are working through the Expression of Interest (EOI) evaluation process over the next ten weeks,” they said.

The State Government earlier this year announced it was exploring opportunities for desperately needed housing on the Coffs Coast through the potential redevelopment, a project which has never before been seen in the region.

It is focused on the local area south of Bray St to Argyll St (including Deborah Cl, Maple St and Argyll Pl) and from Frederick St to Elm St.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey announced the EOI earlier this year. Picture: Jenny Evans

The aim of the EOI, which ran for eight weeks, was to determine whether renewal models in communities in Sydney could work in Coffs Harbour in order to bring high density, mixed social and private housing into the area.

Announcing the EOI, Ms Pavey said respondents needed to present innovative ideas that would increase density as well as offer diversity of housing within the estate, and that would be culturally sensitive for Aboriginal residents.

“We’re working hard to create a safer and stronger regional NSW, but good housing cannot be delivered by government alone, which is why we’re looking to harness expertise and innovation from the private and not-for-profit sectors,” she said.

Social housing residents in the Argyll Estate were informed directly and at this stage no relocations are taking place.

It is proposed the delivery of the project will be staged to ensure that it keeps pace with market demand.