The Minns Labor Government is today launching 9 new architect-designed mid-rise apartment building patterns as the next phase of the world leading NSW Housing Pattern Book, which is helping to accelerate the delivery of new homes across the state.
This follows over a decade of inaction to address the lack of housing in NSW under the former Government, which has resulted in Sydney losing twice as many young people as it's gaining according to a recent NSW Productivity Commission report.
The mid-rise apartment designs unveiled today range from 3 to 6 storeys and are in addition to the 8 low-rise home patterns released in July offering a broad suite of new housing options for growing communities. The 9 patterns include 4 designs for small lots, 3 designs for large lots and 2 designs for corner lots.
Designed by leading architectural firms from Australia and New Zealand, the new mid-rise patterns support housing needs at every stage of life.
The patterns will help enable the Minns Labor Government's Low and Mid-rise Housing Policy that is set to deliver 112,000 homes across New South Wales over the next five years, responding to growing demand for terraces, town houses and mid-rise apartment buildings in well-located areas.
The patterns are light-filled and cross-ventilated, maximise solar access and have been designed to Australian Building Codes Board Liveable Housing Design Standard.
They have been designed to enable ease of construction, while also offering architect designs that are modern, adaptable, cost effective and energy-efficient.
The mid-rise patterns currently require a DA to be submitted to local councils, however the Government has reduced assessment requirements by providing guidance to councils that will allow them to halve the average DA assessment times for these patterns.
New planning laws just passed by the Parliament will enable an even faster and simpler planning pathway in the new year, with the mid-rise pattern book to be prioritised for access to the Government's newly created targeted assessment pathway.
The patterns will be available at a subsidised introductory price of $1500 for small lot and corner lot designs and $2500 for large lot designs for the first 6 months, which is only one per cent of the typical costs for architect designs.
This is all part of the Minns Government's plan to build a better and fairer NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and downsizers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.
For more information or to purchase a pattern visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/government-architect-nsw/housing-design/nsw-housing-pattern-book
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
"The new housing patterns are more than designs for beautiful homes. They are a practical way we are delivering more homes for young people and families across New South Wales.
"We are leading the world with the use of pattern books to drive the delivery of new high-quality and affordable homes faster by cutting approval delays and making quality designs more accessible.
"These changes are another way we're working deliver more housing, faster with homes now being approved 15% faster than under the former Government and more homes under construction in NSW than anywhere else in the country."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"Mid-rise housing is built into our state's story - from Art Deco apartments to the red brick walk ups that are a much-loved part of many communities.
"These new patterns will write a new chapter for mid-rise homes in NSW, that not only have character but are affordable and sustainable.
"By streamlining approvals and offering ready-to-build designs, we're removing barriers and helping more people access quality housing sooner."
Government Architect NSW Abbie Galvin said:
"Mid-rise apartments strike a balance between compact living and community connection. These designs enhance neighbourhood character while meeting the needs of diverse households.
"We have curated designs that are beautiful, functional, and easy to build - helping more people move into homes that suit their lives, sooner.
"Architecture plays a vital role in shaping places people want to live. These designs offer a clear pathway to delivering quality homes that contribute positively to the urban fabric."
