Shoalhaven Council to vote on Bomaderry ‘build to rent’ apartments

A south coast council is set to vote on whether it supports an affordable housing initiative, with the fate of the $35m “build to rent” apartment proposal in the balance. See the plans.

An artist’s render of the proposed Bomaderry “build to rent” apartments.

A regional council is set to vote on whether to support the state government’s multimillion-dollar plan to bring affordable housing to the south coast through a “build to rent” initiative.

Shoalhaven Council will vote on Monday to determine its stance on the $35m apartment complex proposed for Belinda St and Bolong Rd, Bomaderry.

Plans for the 60-apartment complex currently sit with the Shoalhaven Council and the NSW Regional Planning Panel for future determination.

The mega plans are part of the NSW Government’s build to rent initiative, a project established in February 2021.

The initiative involves large-scale, purpose-built rental housing being constructed purely for renters to ease the housing market.

An artist’s render of the proposed Bomaderry “build to rent'” apartments.

Development documents reveal plans for a residential apartment complex between three and four storeys high, with two residential flat buildings constructed above enclosed, ground level parking areas.

The proposal was submitted by Sydney-based developer Landcom, which has previously been contracted to construct “build to rent” apartments in NSW.

The Bomaderry 'build to rent' apartments are proposed for Beinda St and Bolong Rd.

A Landcom spokesman said the developer was hoping to have two ‘build to rent’ apartments constructed by 2026, one being the proposal for Bomaderry.

He revealed the state government was providing $5m to the Bomaderry project, which had an estimated construction cost of $35m.

“As part of Landcom’s design and planning for the Bomaderry site, it became evident additional dwellings could be delivered for a small increase in funding,” the spokesman said.

“The additional funding will allow delivery of new architecturally designed homes for approximately 130 people.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the “build to rent” scheme was important to address major housing shortages in NSW.

“The truth is we don’t have enough well-located, well-designed or well-built homes for people in NSW, which is why we’re making investments in ‘build to rent’ and getting Landcom on the job,” he said.

The NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.

“The additional $5m will see Landcom deliver 10 more well-located, architecturally designed homes for people on the south coast which are desperately needed.”

The proposed Bomaderry development – if approved by the NSW Regional Planning Panel – would result in 60 dwellings being built in Bomaderry, with 20 per cent aimed to be “affordable”.

Apartments would range from two to three bedrooms and would feature bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and more.

The proposed blocks are currently vacant and owned by the developer, with the land picked due to its proximity to shopping centres, parks and other goods and services.

An artist’s render of the proposed Bomaderry “build to rent” apartments.

Shoalhaven councillors will vote on Monday, July 22, as to whether they support the NSW Regional Planning Panel in approving the proposed mega development.

If the proposal gains full support from council, a report will be prepared for the state government planning body ahead of a determination meeting later this year.

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