The Minns Labor Government is building more homes for New South Wales, transforming a former TAFE NSW site in East Tamworth into nearly 90 new homes in the heart of town.
Homes NSW has acquired the 6.7-hectare former TAFE NSW site to deliver much-needed housing for Tamworth, where rental vacancy rates are among the lowest in the state at around 1.6 per cent.
The mixed-tenure redevelopment plans for 89 new dwellings for up to 220 residents, including 39 social homes for seniors and about 50 private market houses, supporting a stronger, more inclusive local community.
The vacant, unused land, located on the north-western edge of East Tamworth, is not used for TAFE NSW training and was identified as surplus government-owned land during the statewide property audit.
All proceeds from the transfer will be reinvested into TAFE NSW to improve facilities for skills training.
This is the latest land release as part of the historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, tackling the housing crisis head-on by delivering all types of housing and expanding vital support for people at risk of homelessness.
Since coming to office in March 2023, the Minns Government has rolled out the biggest reform agenda in NSW history to speed up the delivery of homes by:
- Delivering 30,000 new homes on surplus government land, including 8,400 new social housing units in the biggest housing investment in the State's history.
- A world leading presale guarantee to fast track construction and increase housing supply.
- The largest planning reforms in a generation, establishing the Housing Delivery Authority and prioritising well-located homes near public transport.
Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:
"This is exactly what the land audit is all about. Every vacant site is an opportunity for much-needed new homes in our cities and in our regions.
"By unlocking unused land like this TAFE NSW site, we can now deliver more homes for seniors, create new pathways for private ownership, and build stronger, more connected communities.
"These new homes will help move more people off the housing waitlist and into a modern, secure home, because no one should be without a safe place to call home."
Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"This is great news for Tamworth. By transforming vacant land into new homes, we're investing in the future of the community and region.
"Repurposing the surplus land will support the delivery of much-needed homes, without affecting TAFE NSW's skills training delivery at Tamworth. It's a win-win for the local community and New England region.
"The proceeds of the transfer will also go back into TAFE NSW, helping us deliver upgraded facilities and training spaces so students can continue learning in modern, industry-standard environments."
