By Paul Nicolaou | Executive Director, Business Sydney
Business Sydney today urged the NSW Government to give bipartisan support to the NSW Opposition plan for the Long Bay Jail precinct to be repurposed for housing.
Executive Director of Business Sydney, Paul Nicolaou, said the plan represents the kind of practical and forward-looking solution that Sydney urgently needs to address the housing shortage.
“Repurposing Long Bay is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock centrally located land and transform it into a thriving neighbourhood that supports families, students and essential workers,” Mr Nicolaou said.
“Business Sydney and Business Western Sydney has long been calling for initiatives like this, and we now call on the Chris Minns Government to support the proposal in unison so that meaningful steps can be taken together to deal with the state’s housing crisis.”
Business Sydney also emphasised that the redevelopment must include extending the Sydney Light Rail to the precinct to connect the new community with health, education and employment hubs across the city.
“Transport is the lifeblood of our city. Extending the Sydney Light Rail to Long Bay would ensure this new precinct is not just a place to live, but a place that is truly connected to opportunity. It would particularly benefit families, students and key workers, while reducing reliance on cars,” Mr Nicolaou said.
The proposal for Long Bay has the potential to deliver up to 12,000 new homes, with 30 per cent dedicated to social, affordable and essential housing. It would also create new jobs in construction, infrastructure, childcare, health and education services.
Mr Nicolaou said the plan strikes the right balance between community needs, heritage preservation and future growth.
“This is about building more than houses – it’s about building a community with green spaces, services, and a vision for sustainable living,” he said.
Business Sydney and Business Western Sydney now urges the NSW Government and the NSW Opposition to work together to deliver this project for the benefit of all Sydneysiders.
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