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PAYCE - Project Approval to Boost Sydney's Affordable Rental Stock

PAYCE

Key Facts:

• The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has granted planning and rezoning approval for a 351-apartment development in Sydney's Melrose Park, comprising 197 affordable housing units and 154 co-living units.
• The project - at the intersection of Hope Street and Hughes Avenue, Melrose Park - is the first to achieve Concurrent Rezoning under the HDA pathway.
• The $136 million project will generate 216 construction jobs and 26 operational jobs. 
• Evolve Housing will own all 197 affordable units that are funded for 25 years under the Housing Australia Future Fund scheme. 

• The development will be located 100 metres from new Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 and the $800 million Melrose Park Town Centre
• The project is expected to be completed in late 2028.

14 May 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

Leading Sydney developer PAYCE has received planning approval for a 351-apartment development at Melrose Park in a major boost to Sydney’s affordable rental stock.  

The NSW Department of Planning has granted rezoning and development approval for a mixed-use development of 197 units and 154 co-living units at Hope Street Melrose Park. Evolve Housing will own all 197 units, which will be leased as affordable housing under the Australian Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF).

The affordable units comprise a significant contribution to NSW’s delivery targets under the national housing accord.

In addition, the 154 co-living units will provide much needed rental accommodation for over 700 residents.

PAYCE Chairman, Brian Boyd, said: “This project represents a major boost for new affordable rental accommodation in an area of high demand and high amenity.”

“The project is situated within 100 metres of the new Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, currently under construction, which will provide a much-needed transport link to not only the new Sydney West Metro at Sydney Olympic Park, but also connectivity to both the Sydney and Parramatta CBDs.”

The new $800 million Melrose Park Town Centre is 100 metres away providing a major 30,000sqm retail shopping centre for all Melrose Park residents and will open later this year.

Within 400 metres walking distance is the new Melrose Park High School catering for 1000 students as well as the expanded Melrose Park Public School for 700 students. These schools will open on the commencement of Term 1, 2027.

Evolve Housing Group CEO Lyall Gorman said: “The 197 homes to be delivered at Melrose Park are part of 1,094 new affordable homes Evolve Housing will deliver through the HAFF, helping address the growing shortage of affordable housing in well-connected locations,”

“These homes will provide people with greater stability and the opportunity to live close to employment, education and essential services. Projects like this demonstrate the importance of strong partnerships, and we are proud to work with PAYCE and Housing Australia to deliver housing that makes a lasting difference for people and communities.”

The project will be delivered in late 2028.

Project CGIs here

 

 

Contact details:

Mark Sutton - [email protected] or 0407 918836.