The NSW Government will transform disused homes at a former residential centre for people with disabilities into accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.
Homes NSW is leading the $2 million ‘meanwhile use’ proposal for the Stockton Centre that will refurbish seven homes at the former Stockton Centre in Newcastle to provide temporary accommodation for up to 25 people.
This delivers on a commitment to investigate the temporary use of the former Stockton Centre for short-term accommodation to help drive down homelessness in the Hunter region.
Transforming underutilised property into transitional housing is one of the many ways the NSW Government is working to confront the housing crisis and help get people into safe, long-term accommodation.
Properties to be upgraded include five five-bedroom homes, one two-bedroom unit and one one-bedroom unit.
The project will be delivered in partnership with leading social and affordable housing provider, Home In Place.
Homes NSW is exploring different options for the long-term future use of the site.
The homes and services are expected to become operational in approximately eight months, noting the site needs work to ensure the security and safety of the temporary residents, provide essential amenities and ensure the houses meet the standard appropriate for transitional housing needs.
With more than 55,000 people on the waitlist for social housing, and close to 2000 on the list in Newcastle and Port Stephens region alone, the NSW Government will continue exploring every option to expedite the delivery of more homes.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
“We are grappling with a housing and homelessness crisis, and we need to think outside the box to deliver more safe and secure homes for people in need.
“The NSW Government is committed to exploring every option to transform underutilised sites into fit for purpose housing. If we have mothballed properties sitting empty, we will investigate whether they can be upgraded and used to provide vital shelter.
“Transforming these homes into a safe base for people who would otherwise be sleeping rough is the first step to helping people get back on their feet and into longer-term accommodation.
“We know we have a lot of work to do to confront this crisis, but this type of innovative thinking is helping to drive the solution.”
Minister for Disability Inclusion and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:
“I have heard heart-breaking stories from people in the Hunter who are couch surfing, sleeping in cars or on the street. I’m pleased to have turned our meeting on site last year into an outcome that could change people’s lives.
“Making the former Stockton Centre site available as short-term accommodation for people experiencing homelessness and providing them with the support they need to move into a longer-term home is a welcome step for our community.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:
“Every day, I’m dealing with people experiencing homelessness, there are about 2000 Novocastrians that don’t have a stable and secure home. This may be a small step, but it is a significant step and having access to this accommodation will make a huge impact on so many lives.
“The previous government should be ashamed of the condition the Stockton Centre has been left in. I’m so pleased that we have found a way to repair these seven houses and bring them up to a suitable standard.
“Just on Friday I was at the House of Hospitality refuge with the 2024 Newcastle Woman of the Year, Sister Carmel Hanson. It is fantastic to be increasing and expanding our transitional housing capacity in Newcastle.”