A long-vacant parcel of government land in East Tamworth will be transformed into nearly 90 new homes, after the state government confirmed the former TAFE NSW site has been unlocked for redevelopment.
The Minns Government announced that Homes NSW has acquired the 6.7-hectare property on the north-western edge of East Tamworth, paving the way for a mixed-tenure neighbourhood designed to ease intense local housing pressure. Tamworth continues to record one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in New South Wales at just 1.6 per cent, leaving many residents struggling to secure stable accommodation.
Plans for the site include 89 new dwellings for up to 220 residents, comprising 39 social homes for seniors as well as about 50 private market houses. The government says the project will support a stronger and more inclusive local community by offering a blend of affordable and market-rate housing options.
The unused land was identified as surplus during a statewide audit of government-owned property. The vacant, unused land, located on the north-western edge of East Tamworth, is not used for TAFE NSW training, and was deemed suitable for redevelopment. All proceeds from the transfer will be reinvested back into TAFE NSW to improve facilities and support skills training.
Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the project demonstrates exactly the purpose of the land audit.
“This is exactly what the land audit is all about. Every vacant site is an opportunity for much-needed new homes in our cities and in our regions.
“By unlocking unused land like this TAFE NSW site, we can now deliver more homes for seniors, create new pathways for private ownership, and build stronger, more connected communities.
“These new homes will help move more people off the housing waitlist and into a modern, secure home, because no one should be without a safe place to call home.”
The redevelopment is part of the Government’s 6.6 billion dollar Building Homes for NSW program, described as the largest housing initiative in the state’s history. Since March 2023, the Government has committed to delivering 30,000 new homes on surplus land, including 8,400 new social housing units, alongside major planning reforms and a presale guarantee to speed up construction.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the project represents a major win for Tamworth and the wider New England region.
“This is great news for Tamworth. By transforming vacant land into new homes, we’re investing in the future of the community and region.
“Repurposing the surplus land will support the delivery of much-needed homes, without affecting TAFE NSW’s skills training delivery at Tamworth. It’s a win-win for the local community and New England region.
“The proceeds of the transfer will also go back into TAFE NSW, helping us deliver upgraded facilities and training spaces so students can continue learning in modern, industry-standard environments.”
With housing demand continuing to climb across the New England, the redevelopment of the East Tamworth TAFE site marks one of the region’s most significant steps toward easing pressure and expanding safe, affordable options for local residents.
The announcement follows the decision of Homes NSW to withdraw from a proposal to redevelop the Duval High site in Armidale, which Armidale Regional Council claimed was because Homes NSW had decided not to start any new projects.
Got something you want to say about this story? Have your say on our opinion and comment hub, New England Times Engage