Construction has officially commenced on two major housing developments in Sydney’s northern suburbs, delivering 227 new social and affordable apartments across Lane Cove North and Macquarie Park. The Post was pleased to attend the sod turn at the Macquarie Park site on 4th November 2026.
Led by community housing provider Link Wentworth in partnership with Homes NSW and Housing Australia, the dual projects aim to relieve intense housing pressure on low- and moderate-income households. Both developments are scheduled for completion in 2028.
In Short
- Dual Developments: 227 social and affordable apartments are under construction across Macquarie Park and Lane Cove North.
- Local Amenities: The fully electric builds feature rooftop gardens, solar power, and proximity to North Ryde Metro.
- Government Partnership: Supported by the HAFF and Homes NSW, the projects aim to keep essential workers in the community.
Work broke ground today on an 86-home project at 618–624 Mowbray Road in Lane Cove North. Designed by DKO Architecture, the development features 36 one-bedroom and 50 two-bedroom apartments arranged around a central landscaped courtyard that connects directly to neighbouring Mindarie Park.
The project comprises:
- 43 affordable homes owned directly by Link Wentworth.
- 43 social homes owned by Homes NSW and operated by Link Wentworth under a 49-year lease.
The fully electric building will feature rooftop community gardens, rooftop solar generation, natural ventilation, and infrastructure to support electric vehicle and bicycle charging. Planning approval was granted in June 2025 under the NSW Government’s streamlined planning approvals pathway.
The Lane Cove North sod-turning follows the start of construction on a 14-storey development at 6 Halifax Street in Macquarie Park’s Lachlan’s Line precinct. Supported by Round 1 funding from the Australian Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) alongside Homes NSW, the project will deliver 141 social and affordable units within Landcom’s master-planned community.
Designed by SJB (Design Architect) and IDG Architects (Executive Architect), with Touchstone and Lipman managing construction, the high-rise is located within walking distance of North Ryde Metro Station, local amenities, and the M2 Motorway.
key features include:
- Landscaped communal spaces, a community room, and two rooftop gardens.
- Sustainability infrastructure including solar panels, all-electric utilities, car-sharing facilities, and EV/bike charging capacity.
Link Wentworth CEO Andrew McAnulty highlighted that the developments arrive at a critical moment for Sydney residents struggling with high living costs.
“Finding a home people can afford is becoming increasingly difficult, particularly in Sydney.”
Federal Member for Bennelong, Jerome Laxale, noted that the initiatives ensure essential workers can remain in the region.
“Nurses and teachers should be able to afford to live in the community they serve. By working together, the Albanese Labor Government and the NSW Government are helping Link Wentworth deliver these new homes in Bennelong.”
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully and Housing Australia Acting CEO Sarah Amos both reinforced that strong inter-government and sector partnerships are vital to tackling metropolitan Sydney’s ongoing housing shortage. Landcom CEO Alex Wendler added that commencing work on Lachlan’s Line marks a key milestone during Landcom’s 50th anniversary year.
Glossary
- Affordable Housing: Housing reserved for low- to moderate-income households, typically offered below market rental rates.
- Social Housing: Secure and affordable rental housing managed by the government or approved community housing providers.
- HAFF: The Housing Australia Future Fund, a federal government initiative supporting the delivery of social and affordable homes.
- Homes NSW: The state government agency responsible for social and affordable housing and homelessness services.