City prepares Redfern car park for aged care transformation

An expressions of interest campaign has been opened for proposals to redevelop the City of Sydney car park.

The City is inviting proposals to redevelop the council car park at 49 Cope Street, Redfern, into a not-for-profit aged care facility.

Registered not-for-profit aged care providers were invited to submit bids to design, build and operate the facility.

It will include affordable housing for at least 50 residents.

Another 240 sq. m of space along Cope Street will be transferred by the city to Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care for use as an open space.

The City wants the project to be delivered by or in partnership with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organizations or suppliers.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the project would help the most vulnerable people in the city centre.

“There is a critical need for culturally appropriate aged care in inner Sydney,” Moore said.

“We‘“I will sell this site for a nominal dollar to a community housing provider on the condition that it will provide aged care in perpetuity as well as a 55-space public car park currently under development.”

▲ The City of Sydney offers Redfern parking for $1.

The conditions allow the project to be financially viable for the developer and also provide parking spaces for residents of the village.

It is part of the City of Sydney’s plan to deliver 5,237 affordable and diverse homes by 2036.

The municipality is concerned about how expensive it is to build affordable housing in the city’s suburbs.

The expressions of interest campaign is due to close on December 19 this year and a report will be presented to council early next year.

▲ Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said they would sell the car park for $1 to a developer to ensure the construction and availability of an aged care facility.