Leading Sydney developer PAYCE today marked a major milestone in addressing Sydney’s housing challenges, officially turning the first sod on the Melrose Park Gateway Project – one of the largest affordable housing developments ever undertaken in NSW.
The project, being delivered by PAYCE and construction partner DASCO, will provide 197 affordable housing apartments and 154 co-living units in one of Sydney’s fastest-growing urban renewal precincts.
The ceremony, held at 19 Hope Street Melrose Park, was attended by NSW Minister for Planning Paul Scully MP, Member for Parramatta Donna Davis MP, Housing Australia Director, Investments Rohan Gibbs, Evolve Housing Group CEO Lyall Gorman, and PAYCE Chairman Brian Boyd.
A Landmark Project for Affordable Housing
Evolve Housing will own and manage all 197 affordable housing apartments under the Australian Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), representing a significant contribution to NSW’s housing targets under the National Housing Accord. They will provide long-term affordable rental accommodation for essential workers and other eligible tenants.
In addition, the project will include 154 privately owned co-living units. In total, the project is expected to accommodate around 700 new residents.
PAYCE Chairman Brian Boyd said the project would deliver a major boost to Sydney’s affordable rental housing supply in an area experiencing strong demand and significant public investment.
“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when government, community housing providers and the private sector work together with a shared commitment to increasing housing supply,” Mr Boyd said.
“Importantly, these homes will be delivered in a location with outstanding transport, education and community infrastructure, ensuring residents have access to the services and opportunities they need to thrive.
“At a time when affordable rental housing is in critical demand across Sydney, we are proud to be delivering a project that will make a meaningful difference to hundreds of residents and families.”
Evolve Housing Group CEO Lyall Gorman said the 197 homes being delivered at Melrose Park form part of the 1,094 affordable homes Evolve Housing will deliver through the Housing Australia Future Fund.
“These homes will provide people with greater stability and the opportunity to live close to employment, education and essential services,” Mr Gorman said.
“Projects like this demonstrate the importance of strong partnerships, and we are delighted to be collaborating with PAYCE, Housing Australia and our government partners.”
Housing Australia CEO Scott Langford said the project demonstrates the impact of the HAFF in supporting housing supply across New South Wales.
“By investing in projects like this, we are supporting the delivery of more well-located affordable homes in communities where people want to live, work and build their lives,” Mr Langford said.
“We are pleased to support Evolve Housing and PAYCE on a project that will deliver lasting benefits for the Melrose Park and Parramatta neighbourhoods.”
Strategic Location
The Melrose Park Gateway project forms part of the broader transformation of Melrose Park into one of Sydney’s most liveable urban renewal precincts, supported by substantial public and private investment in new transport, schools, retail and open space.
The project is strategically located:
- Adjacent to the future Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2- currently under construction – which will connect residents to Sydney Olympic Park, the Sydney Metro West network, Parramatta CBD and Sydney CBD.Â
- Within 100 metres of the new $800 million Melrose Park Town Centre which will provide 30,000-square-metres of retail and commercial precinct when it opens later this year.Â
- Within 400 metres of the new Melrose Park High School, catering for 1,000 students, and the expanded Melrose Park Public School, which will accommodate 700 students, a total of 1700 students when both open at the start of next year.Â
Construction is now underway, with project completion anticipated in late 2028.
