The hard cell: NSW Libs want Sydney jail for housing
Sydney's Long Bay Correctional Centre, and it's expansive tract of land on the eastern suburbs coastline, could be the key to solving the city's housing burden.
DAYS after Australian Conveyancer flagged the proposal, the NSW Liberal & Nationals Opposition has backed calls to turn Sydney’s Long Bay Jail into housing.
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou (pictured below) remarked on the jail in an interview for the September edition of the Australian Conveyancer.
“He’s appalled that Sydney has Long Bay Jail sitting on 32 hectares of prime land 14km from the CBD, within easy reach of a light rail extension,” we reported.
Now the NSW Coalition says it would build up to 12,000 homes on the site, if elected.
It said the plan was a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to turn a centrally located jail into a vibrant neighbourhood.
“We want to turn the relic of the past into hope and homes for the next generation,” Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said.
Under the $3 billion plan, the jail would remain operational until a new facility is built elsewhere. The Illawarra, south of Sydney, has been flagged as a possible location.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has previously rejected Long Bay’s redevelopment, saying there’s insufficient public transport.
The next State election is due in 2027, with housing affordability likely to be a key issue.
