Boosting supply to meet NSW housing targets
The proposed residential development at 47 Darby Street in Cooks Hill has been
designated as a State Significant Development (SSD), by the Housing Delivery
Authority (HDA) with a concurrent rezoning and development application to be
prepared and assessed by the NSW Department of Planning.
The State Significant Development pathway aims to encourage and identify major residential projects that will help meet NSW‘s ambitious target to deliver 377,000 new homes by July 2029 under the National Housing Accord.
To accelerate the delivery of new homes the NSW Government established the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) to lead a new streamlined state significant development pathway.
As a designated State Significant Development 47 Darby Street has been evaluated by the Housing Delivery Authority against key criteria including:
Well located sites that are serviced by existing infrastructure
Projects that can deliver high yield housing, such as multi dwelling housing, ‘shop top’ housing, seniors housing
Housing projects that can be assessed and commence construction within 12 months of approval
Projects with an estimated cost of more than $60 million in Sydney region or $30 million in regional areas
The proposed development
Vivacity Living Pty Ltd has lodged an application to construct two new residential
buildings containing 114 high quality residential apartments on the existing property.
The existing office building will be demolished and replaced by a new building facing
Darby Street comprising ground floor retail and 12 storeys of apartments.
The existing parking garage at the rear will be demolished and replaced by a new building addressing
Tyrrell Street comprising up to seven storeys of apartments.
Residential parking for both buildings will be provided within a basement.
Access to both buildings will be via entrances from Darby Street and Tyrrell Street.
The ground floor retail will provide an active edge to Darby Street, completing the missing link
between Darby Street and Hunter Street.
Community engagement
As the proponent of the SSD project, Vivacity Living Pty Ltd is required to
consult with a range of stakeholders who may be impacted by the
proposed development. This includes:
Providing clear and concise information about the project and its impacts
Conducting engagement activities that encourage and facilitate participation
Obtaining feedback from stakeholders
Vivacity Living is committed to undertaking ongoing community consultation. Engagement has begun
with key stakeholders including nearby residents, local businesses, Newcastle Synagogue,
Newcastle City Councillors and Newcastle Art Gallery, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of development is being proposed at 47 Darby Street?
Vivacity Living is seeking approval to build a new residential development comprising approximately 114 units with underground parking and a mixed-use retail area on the ground floor. The existing office building and parking garage would be demolished.
When will construction commence?
If the project is approved construction has to commence within 12 months of a Development Application being granted. If approved, construction is expected to commence in 2027.
Will there be parking space for residents in the new development area?
Yes. Car parking will be provided in the basement and podium levels of the site and will comply with council’s car parking requirements. Visitor parking will also be provided.
Why has this project been declared a State Significant Development?
In New South Wales planning, State Significant Development (SSD) refers to major projects that are declared as such due to their importance to the state for economic, environmental, or social reasons. These projects are assessed at the state level, rather than by local councils, to ensure broader state-wide impacts are considered.
Will the local Cooks Hill community be consulted?
Yes. Community consultation is an important part of the assessment process, and community views are considered in decision-making by NSW planning. As the proponent Vivacity Living is required to undertake consultation with local stakeholders, including nearby residents and businesses. This is currently underway.