REDFERN: The City of Sydney is calling for expressions of interest to redevelop a council car park into a not-for-profit aged care facility for at least 50 older people.
Proposals are invited from registered not-for-profit residential aged care providers to design, build and operate the facility at 49 Cope Street. The project will be delivered by or in partnership with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations or providers.
Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore AO said that while housing is the responsibility of the NSW government, the City of Sydney is being as creative as possible with land it manages to help those who need it most.
“There is a desperate need for culturally appropriate aged care in inner Sydney. We’re selling this site for a token $1 to a community housing provider on the condition it delivers aged care in perpetuity, and a 55-space community car park under the development,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This makes the affordable and diverse housing project viable, while locals will continue to have space to park their cars.
“We’ve heard what Redfern residents want and will make sure Aboriginal organisations and communities are at the centre of the delivery and operation of this new project.”
The City of Sydney is also transferring 240sqm of existing space on Cope Street to Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care to keep as an outdoor area.
Visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/opportunities/build-run-affordable-residential-aged-care-facility-redfern to find out more about this project and to submit a proposal.
Applications must be lodged by 11am Thursday December 19.
Wait—what?! That’s actually the ONLY public carpark in Redfern; it’s in constant use with a high turnover—surely it’s a vital service to local businesses, workers, shoppers and residents? With street parking in nearby Redfern St substantially reduced by on-street dining initiatives, residents of the area’s many older apartments and terrace homes that lack parking spaces find themselves competing for a place to park with everyone else who comes to the area. I know council wants to discourage cars (and fair enough!) but there are already almost no parking facilities in the precinct—losing the only small carpark we have would cause real difficulty for residents. I sincerely hope council reconsiders this plan.