The University of Sydney is currently contesting an affordable housing fee of $80,470 that the City of Sydney Council has requested in relation to its redevelopment project.
The council contends that the university’s $5.6 million renovation, which includes the construction of a new kitchen in a student residence, warrants this fee. The matter has been escalated to the office of New South Wales Planning Minister Paul Scully for his review.
The University of Sydney (USYD) has submitted a proposal for the redevelopment, which aims to enhance its Abercrombie student accommodation facility in Darlington, adding a kitchen to serve 100 students along with various modifications to the existing structure.
The City of Sydney Council initially supported the development application but conditioned it upon the university’s payment of the affordable housing fee. This requirement is standard for all development projects within the local government area.
USYD has declined to pay the fee, asserting that the planned improvements focus on renovating existing accommodations rather than increasing the overall capacity. At a recent council meeting, Debbie McNamara, the university’s chief infrastructure officer, urged the local planning panel to reconsider the condition, citing the unique nature of their proposal.
McNamara explained that while the floor area for the new kitchen would expand to 238 square meters, the facility would continue to serve 200 beds, thus not increasing its residential capacity. She expressed concerns that imposing the fee could set a negative precedent and lead to unforeseen consequences for the university’s housing strategy, requesting that their application be evaluated based on its merit.
The planning panel has decided to send the application to Minister Scully’s office for a determination on whether to uphold or eliminate the fee requirement. The ABC has reached out to Scully’s office for further comment on the issue.
A representative from the City of Sydney Council noted that it is rare for an affordable housing charge to be contested by an applicant, especially since the university occupies state-owned land. When disputes arise regarding conditions on developments on Crown Land, they are referred to the minister when an agreement is not reached.
The spokesperson stated that for Crown authorities, conditions like affordable housing contributions can only be enforced with the applicant’s consent.
A spokesperson for USYD reaffirmed the university’s dedication to providing affordable housing for students, emphasizing that the current proposal would not increase the number of student beds or overall occupancy. The focus is on enhancing dining and communal spaces to improve the living experience for current residents, as per student feedback.
In light of this situation, USYD has previously announced intentions to establish 2,000 affordable student beds over the next five years. While specific details regarding the number of beds completed to date were not provided, the spokesperson indicated that several accommodation projects are in various stages of planning and approval.
Additionally, the university is committed to improving its existing housing facilities, including the redevelopment of 38 Victorian terraces on Darlington Road. USYD is also collaborating with specialized student accommodation providers to create more housing options while longer-term development initiatives are underway.
The university offers non-profit student housing with rental rates that are generally below market value. For instance, a studio in the Abercrombie accommodations ranges from $515 per week for a 52-week lease to $542 for a 26-week lease. Other housing options include the Regiment Building, Darlington House, and the Queen Mary building.
In conclusion, USYD remains focused on expanding affordable housing opportunities for students and continues to invest in projects aimed at enhancing accommodation both in the present and for the future.
