Sod turned on Stage 2 of The Erskineville Project

MEDIA RELEASE

Erskineville 12 December, 2025 – The sod has been officially turned on Stage 2 of The Erskineville Project, with government, industry and project partners coming together on site to mark the milestone, despite heavy rain.

The event signals the next chapter in one of Sydney’s most significant inner-city urban renewal precincts, transforming a former industrial pocket of Erskineville into a connected, walkable neighbourhood delivering new homes, public open space, curated retail and upgraded infrastructure.

Once complete, Stage 2 will deliver over 1,000 Build-to-Rent apartments, including 169 affordable homes provided in perpetuity, alongside 7,000sqm of green space anchored by the future McPherson Park.

Aras Labutis, Head of Urban Transformation at Coronation, said the project represents a defining milestone for both Coronation and Nation.

“This project will cement Coronation and Nation’s positions as leaders in Build-to-Rent, delivering more than 1,000 homes designed by top-tier architects BVN Architecture and Bates Smart,” Aras said. “This precinct completes the renewal of a former industrial part of Erskineville, creating a neighbourhood people will be proud to call home.”

Designed by BVN Architecture and Bates Smart, the precinct prioritises walkability, sustainability and high-quality public domain, reinforcing Erskineville’s evolution as a connected inner-city neighbourhood. The design approach focuses on permeability, strong street connections and public spaces that support everyday life.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said the project demonstrates the value of collaboration and a focus on public benefit.

“Seeing well-designed developments rise from the ground and understanding how they will contribute to our city is exciting,” the Lord Mayor said. “By working closely with Coronation, we’ve achieved strong outcomes for both the development and the community, including 169 affordable homes provided, not just for the next 15 years but in perpetuity.”

“This project shows that density can be done well, communities support increased density and height when it delivers genuine public benefit. In a growing city facing housing affordability and climate challenges, more Sydney-siders are choosing apartment living, making the timing of this project particularly important.”

Beyond new homes, Stage 2 will deliver curated retail and hospitality to activate the precinct and serve the broader neighbourhood, alongside key infrastructure upgrades including improvements to the Mitchell Road intersection and local stormwater capacity.

Eamon Waterford, CEO of the Committee for Sydney, said the project reflects the role density plays in supporting quality of life in cities.

“We’re proud to support this project because it’s focused on how people live in our city,” Mr Waterford said. “Density is an important part of living well. It brings together homes, amenity and infrastructure in the right locations, and this project is a strong example of density done well.”

“This precinct will be vibrant, fun and edgy, and it shows what’s possible when the public and private sectors work together.”

Tom Forrest, CEO of Urban Taskforce Australia, said projects like this are critical to Sydney’s continued evolution.

“Urban Taskforce is proud of our members who are transforming former industrial sites into lively, connected precincts,” Mr Forrest said. “Coronation has established itself as a leader in the Build-to-Rent sector, delivering projects that set a high benchmark for quality and place-making.”

Coronation extends its thanks to Uncle Lloyd Walker for welcoming guests to Country, and to Aras Labutis, Lord Mayor Clover Moore, Eamon Waterford and Tom Forrest for their contributions in marking this important milestone.

Construction on Stage 2 is now underway.

ENDS