New three-storey unit block for seniors a threat to 'peaceful' street, locals say

Almost a third of households on the social housing waitlist are seniors, with a new unit block almost ready in Riverwood. (Supplied/ABC News: Liam Patrick) New public housing units built specifically for seniors are under construction in Sydney's south-west, despite opposition from some locals. Minister Rose Jackson says many of these new homes will go to women aged over 55, who are at risk of homelessness. The Older Women's Network NSW says increased building of affordable and social housing is vital. Link copiedShareShare articleNew public housing units built specifically for seniors are under construction in Sydney's south-west despite pushback from local residents and a petition passed on by the electorate's MP. Multiple projects have been approved in Riverwood for seniors public housing, including a 29-unit complex on Hardwicke Street and a 16-unit complex on Munmurra Road. The Munmurra Road project is expected to be ready for residents to move in by August this year. Seniors housing has to be purpose-designed for people aged 55 and over, with considerations of accessibility for those with restricted mobility and close proximity to transport and services. Hardwicke Street and Munmurra Road are both 850 metres walking distance from Riverwood Train Station, therefore satisfying the definition of an accessible area. The Munmurra Road render pictured. (Supplied) Across the two projects, the NSW government estimates up to 77 older residents will be housed. Some locals, however, had strongly opposed the Hardwicke Street units during its proposal stage. The complex will comprise a three-story residential apartment building with 14 ground level parking spaces, pedestrian footpaths and landscaped areas. The Munmurra Road public housing for seniors is expected to be ready for residents to move in by August this year. (ABC News: Liam Patrick) A petition and letter was written by Riverwood residents concerned with "preserving the unique, low-density character of Hardwicke Street". They argued the project would potentially impact property values on the street, and the "influx of new residents" would put a strain on public amenities and services, and lead to increased noise. "Senior housing developments typically bring a continuous flow of visitors, caregivers, delivery services, and transportation needs for residents," their letter, seen by the ABC, read. "This increased demand may leave residents struggling to find parking near their own homes, and visitors could face similar challenges." Instructions: Use left and right arrow keys to control image transition SLIDE Construction on the Hardwicke Street project is now underway. / Supplied.The almost 30 signatories said the three-storey development threatened their "peaceful, family-oriented neighbourhood", and called instead for a low-density, low-rise option. Planning NSW typically views three to six-storey apartment buildings as mid-rise housing. The adjoining fence between the Hardwicke Street seniors housing project, under construction, and the existing residential housing. (Supplied) The local street is approximately 7 metres in width, accommodating two-way traffic flow and unrestricted kerbside parking on both sides of the road, according to planning documents. A traffic impact and parking assessment report done by a contracted consulting company noted the number of driveways along the development frontage had since been reduced from six to one. Oatley MP Mark Coure, whose electorate includes Riverwood, had passed the petition and letter onto Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson. Mr Coure declined to comment when the ABC contacted him. Mark Coure had sent a petition and letter onto Ms Jackson, which detailed the opposition of residents to one of the Riverwood projects. (AAP: Bianca de Marchi) The two Riverwood unit complexes are included in the more than 50 projects invested in recently by the state government, which are expected to deliver over 1,100 new homes for older residents. Ms Jackson said since April 2023, 356 new homes for senior residents had been completed, including in Sydney suburbs such as Rosemeadow, Merrylands and Matraville. "Almost a third of households on our social housing waitlist are seniors — in Riverwood that number is even higher with more than half of the waitlist aged 55 or older," she said. "That is why we need to invest in social housing that is safe, secure and can accommodate the needs of older Australians." Rose Jackson says many of the new units will cater to women over 55 in need of housing. (ABC News: Marcus Stimson) Ms Jackson said she had often seen community opposition to social housing "based on stereotypes about tenants". "But the truth is, many of these new homes will go to women aged over 55." According to Homelessness NSW and the most recent Census data, over 55-year-olds make up 17 per cent of those who are homeless in the state. Women aged 55 and over are the fastest

New three-storey unit block for seniors a threat to 'peaceful' street, locals say

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