SAP to Deliver Affordable Housing in SW Sydney Under HAFF Round 1

Artist’s impression for Regents Park

Sydney Anglican Property (SAP) is excited to announce that two major housing projects that will deliver nearly 260 social and affordable homes in Bankstown and Regents Park are moving forward, thanks to successful bids under Round 1 of the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF).

With contracts now finalised with Housing Australia, our development partner Sustainable Development Group is preparing development application documents, marking a major step toward delivering much-needed social and affordable housing in Sydney’s south-west.

More than housing

SAP CEO Ross Jones highlighted that these projects are about more than just housing—they are about serving both congregations and the wider community.

“At SAP, our mission is to use church property to meet the needs of both current and future generations. We’re thrilled that these projects have been supported. They will provide secure homes for those in need, as well as vital ministry and community facilities for our growing congregations.

“We have been blessed with properties across Greater Sydney, provided through the faithfulness of previous generations. We now have an opportunity to activate these properties through the provision of social and affordable housing along with concurrent upgrading of church facilities to cater for the needs of modern churches.

“These two projects are part of a wider urban renewal program across the Anglican Church’s Sydney Diocese aimed at activating church properties with a range of integrated social infrastructure.

“A lot of hard work and prayer has gone into making this happen, and securing these projects with the Housing Australia Future Fund has been the key to unlocking the feasibility of these developments. Now, we look forward to delivering the new homes and community spaces these areas desperately need.”

A new era for Bankstown

On the current site of St Paul’s Anglican Church, Bankstown, SAP will deliver:

• A brand-new church and ministry centre—a modern space for worship and community use with seating for up to 500.
• 185 social and affordable housing units for essential workers, seniors, and women over 55.
• A preschool to support young families.
• Retail and commercial spaces, creating a vibrant new local hub.
• A family-sized apartment for the church’s Senior Minister and his family.

Rev Peter Ko, Senior Minister of St Paul’s Bankstown, is excited for what this means for the congregation and the community:

“St Paul’s has been a part of Bankstown for over 100 years, and we’re committed to remaining here for generations to come. Our current facilities are no longer fit-for-purpose, but this redevelopment ensures we can continue serving the local community while also helping address Sydney’s housing crisis. We’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”

A new chapter for Regents Park

At Regents Park, the former church site on Edwin St and Kingsland Rd will be transformed into:

• 74 social housing units – for single women over 55 and families in need of a stable, secure home.
• Over 500 square metres of communal space (including a roof-top terrace) to foster connection among residents and host community-building activities organised by Anglicare and the church.

Rev Mike Doyle, Rector of St James Berala (which oversees Regents Park), sees this project as a new way to bless the community:

“With the site no longer used for gatherings, we wanted to ensure it is a blessing to our local community. And what better way to do that than by providing homes for those who need them most? This is the Anglican Church committing itself to the good of Regents Park. I can’t wait for the day when new residents move in – we’ll be ready to welcome them into a neighbourhood we love to call home.”

Strong partnerships for a stronger future

SAP is proud to partner with Sustainable Development Group (SDG) who have worked tirelessly to bring these projects to this significant milestone, as well as with Anglicare Sydney, who will be serving as the operator for both projects, showing the capability and unity of our Diocese.

SDG’s Managing Director, Richard Ollerhead said these significant projects demonstrate SDG’s mission to see faith-based landholdings activated through the delivery of essential social infrastructure.

“Under God, we consider it a great privilege and joy to continue our close partnership with churches, SAP and the project teams in the development of these community assets,” Mr Ollerhead said.

“We are excited about the long-term transformational impacts these projects will have for generations of seniors, workers, children and families.”

Anglicare Sydney’s General Manager – Housing Operations, Kellie Cusack shared their enthusiasm:

“We’re delighted to partner with Sydney Anglican Property in delivering these much-needed social and affordable housing developments. With our strong track record in managing social and affordable housing and building thriving tenant communities, we’re committed to providing secure, sustainable housing that changes lives.”

These developments represent a significant milestone in SAP’s commitment to using church property for both gospel mission and community benefit.

For more information on SAP, visit sap.sydneyanglicans.net and follow us on LinkedIn.