Turning the sod: Housing Australia Chief Operating Officer Lisa Braid; SGCH Chief Growth and Strategic Assets Officer Andrew Brooks; City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO; SGCH Chief Executive Officer Debi Marriott-Lavery and Buildcorp Principal Josephine Sukkar AM and Group Managing Director Tony Sukkar.

Construction has begun on a $112 million Social and Affordable Housing development in Alexandria that will deliver 111 new rental homes secured in perpetuity for people on very low to moderate incomes.

The St George Community Housing (SGCH) development at 338 Botany Road, in Sydney’s inner south, will provide 45 Social and 66 Affordable Homes, with all 111 properties to remain subsidised rental housing for future generations.

The project is supported by funding from Housing Australia through the Housing Australia Future Fund (Round 1) and by the City of Sydney, which sold public land to SGCH at a subsidised price to help increase the supply of Affordable Housing in the local area. These units will be provided to a mix of very low, low and moderate income households, with rents set at no more than 30% of household income.

A group of close to 50 from Housing Australia, City of Sydney, St George Community Housing, Buildcorp, DKO Architects as well as a number of designers and contractors joined to celebrate the construction milestone.

A sod turning ceremony on Tuesday 8 September 2026 marked the start of construction of the future ten-storey development, expected to be completed by early 2028.

SGCH Chief Executive Debi Marriott-Lavery thanked all partners for supporting the project which will help create long term housing security for generations to come.

SGCH Chief Executive Officer Debi Marriott-Lavery said: “These 111 permanent Social and Affordable Homes will provide people with the long-term stability and security they need to build their lives, feel a sense of belonging in their neighbourhoods and be close to work, education and services.

“Importantly these homes are secured in perpetuity, ensuring they continue to benefit the community for generations to come.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO joined the sod turning ceremony in Alexandria, saying the 111 new Affordable and Social Homes would help ensure more people can live in the rapidly growing Green Square precinct, with a library, plaza, parks and sport and recreational facilities.

Located a short walk from Green Square Station, the development forms part of the ongoing renewal of Alexandria and Green Square, one of Australia’s largest urban transformation precincts.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO said: “Through projects like 338 Botany Road, the City of Sydney is on track to support more than 6,000 affordable rental homes by 2036, ensuring lower income households and essential workers remain part of our community. 

“At the City, we use all levers available to us to maximise affordable housing because we want a city where all people can afford to live. Affordable Housing is a basic human right. It is essential for a diverse, cohesive and economically successful global city.” 

Housing Australia Chief Operating Officer Lisa Braid joined on behalf of the Housing Australia Future Fund to congratulate St George on breaking ground, delivering more homes amid a housing crisis.

Housing Australia Chief Executive Scott Langford said: “Breaking ground on this development is an important step towards delivering more Social and Affordable Housing in Sydney and highlights the progress being made through the Housing Australia Future Fund. 

“Housing Australia is proud to partner with SGCH and the City of Sydney to help bring projects like this to life, increasing housing supply and supporting the delivery of more homes in communities where they are needed most.” 

A render of the future development, set to be completed in 2028.

The development has been designed with a strong focus on sustainability and community connection. All homes will achieve a minimum 7 Star NaTHERS energy rating, providing better thermal comfort, lower energy use and reduced household energy costs for residents.

A large-scale mural featuring the artwork of the late Murrawarri artist Joe Hurst (1960-2022) will celebrate local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and strengthen connection to place and Country. This is a notable and important connection to the wonderful work that Joe Hurst created for the SGCH Gibbons St project in Redfern in 2021.

Residents will also have access to a communal space designed to encourage neighbourly connections and community participation. Beyond housing, SGCH supports residents through programs that promote wellbeing and empowerment, including scholarships, low-interest loans and employment support initiatives.

Valued partners Buildcorp and DKO Architecture are bringing to this project to life, with customers expected to sign leases in 2028.