Telopea’s ‘Three Sisters’ is finally getting a new lease on life, with work officially beginning on the refurbishment of nearly 150 vacant public housing units.
In the middle of a housing crisis, the Wade Street Towers – known locally as ‘The Three Sisters – have sat empty for too long, but a plan from the NSW Government will see it soon open again for public housing.
Recently, Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson visited the three towers to announce construction had begun on the refurbishment of 148 units – calling it the “first important step” to help people in need get a safe roof over their head.
The announcement comes after the NSW Government tore up a deal made between the opposition and Frasers Property Australia in 2024.
The deal, which was originally announced in 2019, would have seen the demolition of the towers, to make way for 4,700 new homes, a library and new retail precinct.
Jackson said ditching the former Government’s “dud-deal” is a commonsense approach to help tackle the housing crisis and get homes built quickly.
“Getting people in safe, modern homes is what we are focused on,” she said.
“Since the announcement to scrap the former Government’s dud-deal we have had an outpouring of support from the community who have been waiting for action. Today is another step forward to build more homes to help those who need it most.
“This project is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to put people back at the heart of housing and rebuild our state’s public and affordable housing system.”
Work on the project is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
Once complete, the Wade Street Towers will provide around 240 residents a safe place to call home for the next 5-10 years while longer term renewal plans for Telopea are developed.
The 13-hectare site sits within walking distance of the newly opened Light Rail stop on the Parramatta line.
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said she is pleased the decision to demolish the Three Sisters has been reversed.
“Refurbishing these 148 units to provide housing for around 240 vulnerable members of our community is a responsible approach to take,” she added.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.