A scoping report lodged with the state government has revealed new details about Newcastle council's six-storey CBD affordable housing development, which sits on a site only 10 metres wide at some points.
The proposal, located at 280 Hunter Street, is a mixed-use development with two ground-floor retail and 48 affordable housing units.
The 4125-square-metre "irregular shape lot" at 280 Hunter Street is opposite the Crown Street light rail stop, stretching from Brown Street to near the intersection of Darby and Hunter streets.
Also known as Rail Bridge Row, the site is about 255 metres long, and "generally between 10 to 24 metres wide". The site's elongated form is due to history as a heavy rail line, which ran through the block "to Newcastle Station from the second half of the 18th century (1858) until its curtailment in 2014".
It will have 20 single-bedroom units, 24 two-bedroom units and four three-bedroom units, along with a total of three commercial units - two of which will be on the ground floor - with a combined retail space of almost 400 square metres.
"The result is a proposal that will significantly contribute to the affordable housing stock in a high amenity inner-city location serviced by public transport and with access to schools, employment, recreation opportunities and services," the report stated.
The building will be almost 22 metres tall and will be forced to seek an exemption for exceeding the zoned maximum building height of 14 metres.
The development's 37 car parks will fall four short of state housing planning laws, however the proponent said the shortfall was justified due to the site's location close to light rail, bike lanes and walking paths, along with high level of walkability.
The apartments will be serviced by a new road, Rail Bridge Lane, which will be constructed by Newcastle council to the west of the site, connecting with Argyle Street.
The site lies within the area of influence of abandoned underground coal mines, ranging from a depth of 20 to 75 metres. However, Newcastle council has already approved a development application for pre-engineering works, including grouting work "to eliminate mine subsidence".
"The works are expected to be carried out in late 2026, and will save substantial time both in the planning process and the construction timeframe as it will allow preparation works to commence on the site while the development assessment process is being undertaken," the report stated.
All residential units will operate as affordable housing and have been designed to meet silver and platinum level liveable housing requirements. The site is owned by Newcastle council, however the block will be delivered and operated by Home in Place, a not-for-profit registered community housing provider.
The report acknowledged infill affordable housing was often confused with social housing, which meant projects could "garner negative responses from surrounding residents, based on perceptions about the social and economic backgrounds of affordable housing residents".
"Affordable housing is different to social housing which is long-term housing for very low income households with significant needs," the report stated.
"Affordable housing typically costs less than 30 per cent of a household's gross income. Households that may be eligible include those comprising teachers, police or nurses starting their careers."
Construction is expected to start in October or November 2027 pending approval, and is expected to be completed 18 months later in June 2029.
The estimated cost of the development is yet to be revealed, but will be at least $30 million and is set to be co-funded by round three of the Homes NSW Housing Australia Future Fund.
