NSW Government Announces Transformation of Stockton Centre Site and Nine Other Properties into 1,100 New Homes

The New South Wales Government has unveiled a significant housing initiative, confirming that ten government-owned properties, including the historic Stockton Centre site, will be repurposed to deliver almost 1,100 new homes. This move is part of the government’s ongoing land audit aimed at addressing the state’s housing shortage by identifying and utilising surplus land in both metropolitan and regional areas.

The Stockton Centre, a former residential care facility located in Newcastle, is set to be transformed into a vibrant housing community, providing an anticipated 500 homes. The development will include a mix of social and affordable housing, with the final composition to be determined after further due diligence and market consultation over the coming months. The site will be transferred to Homes NSW and developed either by Landcom or in partnership with the private sector.

This initiative is a component of the NSW Government’s commitment, as outlined in the recent state budget, to deliver up to 30,000 well-located homes close to infrastructure and transport. The government has allocated a historic $5.1 billion investment in new public housing, marking one of the largest commitments to social and affordable housing in the state’s history.

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the critical need for increased housing supply in the region. “Newcastle is currently experiencing a housing crisis, and we desperately need more supply. This area is perfect for more housing for local families,” he said. “As a father of four, I would love to see my kids be able to stay in Newcastle, buy a home, and raise a family of their own here.”

The Stockton Centre has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Originally established as the Stockton Mental Hospital in 1910, it served as a care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions. Over the years, the centre underwent several name changes and operational shifts, eventually becoming a residential care facility for people with disabilities.

In recent years, the NSW Government initiated the devolution of large residential centres like Stockton in favour of smaller, community-based accommodation, aligning with contemporary disability care practices and the principles of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The closure of the Stockton Centre as a disability facility was part of this broader shift towards more inclusive and personalised care models.

The decision to repurpose the Stockton Centre site comes amid a housing affordability crisis in Newcastle and across New South Wales. Rising property prices and rental costs have placed significant pressure on local families and individuals seeking housing. The transformation of surplus government land into residential developments is seen as a vital step in increasing housing stock and alleviating market pressures.

The NSW Government’s land audit has been instrumental in identifying properties that are no longer required for their original purposes and can be redeployed to meet current societal needs. The inclusion of both metropolitan and regional sites ensures a more equitable distribution of housing opportunities across the state.

In addition to the Stockton Centre, the nine other government-owned properties identified in the latest tranche of the land audit are expected to collectively provide approximately 600 new homes. While the specific locations of these sites have not been disclosed, they are anticipated to contribute significantly to the state’s overall housing targets.

The government is also exploring different options for the long-term future use of these sites. Development plans will consider factors such as community needs, environmental impact, and integration with existing infrastructure and transport networks.

The NSW Government has emphasised the importance of community engagement in the development process. Local residents and stakeholders will have opportunities to provide input and feedback as plans progress. Market sounding and due diligence are set to take place over the coming months to refine the development strategies and identify suitable partners.

Tim Crakanthorp reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering 30% social and affordable housing across all new developments. “Importantly, Labor is committed to delivering 30% social and affordable housing across the board,” he stated. This commitment aligns with efforts to ensure that housing developments address the needs of low to moderate-income households and contribute to community diversity.