Rare public housing block in Mosman avoids government sell-off
A RARE public housing block in one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs that was once earmarked for sale by the government will stay, despite the hefty windfall it could bring the state.
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THE State Government has shelved plans for a Millers Point style sell-off of one of Mosman’s few public housing sites.
The Muston Court property at 2 Upper Spit Rd was purpose-built for public housing in 1951.
The 12-dwelling block — currently vacant — is one of four Department of Family and Community Services-owned apartment complexes in the Mosman municipality.
The department estimates that the property can accommodate up to 16 adults across four two-bedroom flats and eight one-bedroom flats.
Millers Point public housing sales have netted the government $189.95 million so far.
A department spokeswoman said the Muston Court property was identified for sale several years ago.
“FACS housing staff worked closely with the residents and their support services for several years to assist in their transition to alternate accommodation that aligns with their needs,” the spokeswoman said.
“No tenants were forced to move.
“FACS continually reviews the suitability of the properties it owns to ensure they meet the needs of the social housing system.
“The NSW Land and Housing Corporation may sell properties which have become uneconomical to maintain or repair.
“The money raised when properties are sold is used to fund the building of new homes, which meet the needs of social housing tenants.”
The department owns 70 apartments in Mosman, which are all one and two-bedroom units in four blocks of flats.
The Mosman Daily asked for clarification about Muston Court’s future and on Tuesday a department spokesman said the property was not being sold off.
The spokesman confirmed the last tenants left in March.
“The decision several years ago [to sell] was before the government announced its Future Directions for Social Housing and the delivery of more social housing through the Communities Plus program,” he said.
“The property is 60 years old and in need of refurbishment and upgrade.
“FACS is not selling off the property.”
The Mosman Daily asked a property valuation company to estimate the value of Muston Court.
WBP Property Group executive chairman Greville Pabst said it was difficult to make an assessment, particularly given it was a unit development, without detailed information.
“There are many variables to consider in determining the value of the site and building, including any covenants, overlays or boundaries affecting the land and building; zoning and height restrictions; and the location of the block,” Mr Pabst said.
“Its corner location may inhibit its value, and it’s unclear if the property boasts views from the upper levels, a factor which is known to impact value.
“A neighbouring five-bedroom house at 3 Upper Spit Road sold for $4.35 million in May last year, while a five-bedroom house at 4 Upper Spit Road sold for $1.7 million in August 2005.”
Minister for Social Housing Brad Hazzard announced the government’s new social housing program on January 24.
He said the large scale building program would generate $22 billion in construction activity in NSW and produce better social outcomes for the community.
“This is a 10-year reform that will deliver more housing, better opportunities for independence and better services for vulnerable households,” Mr Hazzard said.
He said the program included a new partnership between the private and non-government sectors to deliver more homes at minimal cost to taxpayers and ensure better outcomes for the community.
Last week the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation announced the government’s latest public housing sale at Millers Point.
The “unique property” of eight one-bedroom apartments was sold at auction for $7.22 million.
The complex at 85-87 Kent St was sold on behalf of FACS and took the total amount raised from Millers Point sales to $189.95 million.
The Kent Street property is a three-storey 19th Century terrace with an additional contemporary infill building constructed in 2000.
The two buildings were internally altered to make one building and were sold as a block.
A finance department spokeswoman said money from all Millers Point precinct sales would pay for 1500 new social housing dwellings across the state, with 590 new fit-for-purpose social housing dwellings funded to date.
The Kent Street property is subject to a conservation management plan which provides potential buyers with instructions on preserving and maintaining the heritage elements of the property.
The NSW Heritage Council-endorsed management plans are included in contracts for sale for all heritage-listed properties in Millers Point.
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