Affordable housing project slated for Dapto CBD could see people moving in from 2024

There could be a wave of new affordable housing options in Dapto with Wollongong Council considering an application to see nearly 200 residences built in the suburb’s CBD. See what it could look like.

A multi-building affordable housing complex could be built in the heart of the Dapto CBD with plans put before Wollongong Council this week.

The Illawarra Community Housing Trust, a not-for-profit organisation, is looking to transform a nearly 20,000sq m site at 91A Byamee St into 12 two-storey townhouses and six three-to-four-storey apartment buildings containing 174 apartments.

The location for the proposed development was previously owned by Dapto Public School, however, it has been vacant since derelict school buildings were demolished in 2007 before being sold two years later.

The site, which is nestled behind Dapto Showground, Dapto Anglican Church and Dapto Mall, will also feature a 1000sq m central public park to “accommodate many different ages and abilities” and the “retention of significant trees” already on the site.

Housing Trust CEO Michele Adair anticipates the first homes will be completed in a couple of years and though she wasn’t prepared to confirm the amount of affordable housing, Ms Adair said they would be looking to “maximise the amount of affordable rental housing that’s available”.

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Renders of the proposed development. Picture: Turner Studio

“The Byamee St project will deliver a beautiful, environmentally sustainable community for working people and retirees,” she said.

“We will maximise the amount of affordable rental housing that’s available and want the purchase price for buyers to be as affordable as possible too.

“We are pleased to see the project progressing and hope to begin civil works in 2022 and the first homes completed by 2024.”

There have been multiple development applications knocked back for the site including one in 2017 (featuring 144 apartments and 32 townhouses) where only 31 of the residences were earmarked as affordable housing.

Walking throughout the complex was prioritised in the design. Picture: Turner Studio

The exact design of the individual buildings would be outlined in future development applications, however, the masterplan indicates the buildings will be designed with materials that “age gracefully and develop a patina will be favoured”.

It outlined key considerations for the project were creating a place to belong, a diversity of tenants, an efficient use of resources, comfort and security and environmental, social and financial sustainability.

The application’s social impact assessment includes references to multiple state and local government affordable housing policies including the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 which has the key objective of “delivering housing that is more diverse and affordable”.

The DA highlights the amount of green space that will be included in the project. Picture: Turner Studio

The assessment outlined potential social benefits from the development including improved health and wellbeing outcomes for residents and surrounding neighbours due to the access to affordable housing, active travel and access to green space.

It also indicates the plan considered “crime prevention through environmental design” principles which would ensure it was a “welcoming and safe place” for residents.

The application will be on exhibition until Wednesday, May 25.