Bonnyrigg Partnerships, now known as Newleaf Communities, was selected by Housing NSW to undertake the $733 million redevelopment of Bonnyrigg. Newleaf Communities comprises Becton Property Group Limited, Westpac Banking Corporation Limited, St George Community Housing Association and the Spotless Group.
The project will see the replacement of 833 existing social housing dwellings in poor repair with 2330 new homes. Of these, 699 will be social housing homes and the balance of 1531 homes will be sold to home buyers. The project also involves the building or purchase of 134 dwellings off site to ensure the stock of 833 social houses is maintained.
Newleaf Communities is responsible for the finance, design and construction of all the new homes and tenancy and facilities management services for the social housing on the estate. The construction of the public and private housing, as well as parks and community facilities, is expected to take around 15 years.
Working side by side with Fairfield City Council, Housing NSW established a strong reputation in the community for its desire to listen to the views of residents.
Engaging and involving the community has been fundamental to the success of the project because it ensured that the issues of importance to the community were recognised and respected. Between December 2004 and October 2007, Housing NSW and Fairfield City Council carried out a wide ranging consultation program attended by over 4,000 people.
On 20 October 2007, the management of all public housing in Bonnyrigg was transferred to Newleaf Communities and their specialist housing management team, St George Community Housing. While all aspects of tenancy management are now be handled by St George Community Housing, the existing rights and responsibilities of Bonnyrigg tenants remain unchanged.
Stage 1 (of 18 stages) was completed in June 2010 providing 39 social and 67 private dwellings, a new park, sporting facilities and local roads. Prices ranged from $330,000 to $535,000.
Stage 2 which was completed in July 2011 provided 40 social housing and 64 private dwellings. Stage 3 will start in early 2012 and will deliver a further 75 social and 84 private dwellings in December 2012. All private dwellings have been pre-sold.
Rehousing of 88 tenants in stages 4 and 5 has been completed with demolition of these dwellings expected to be completed in March 2012.
Newleaf Communities and its office is located at Shop 36-38, Bonnyrigg Plaza, telephone: 1300 137 265 or visit www.newleafcommunities.com.au to find out the latest information about the project.
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