Demolition work at the former Bega TAFE site, seen in September 2024. Photo: Supplied.
People can have their say on plans for nearly 100 homes in a South Coast precinct, but they won’t be move-in ready until at least late 2027.
TAFE NSW had left the site and relocated to its Multi-Trades Hub facility in Auckland Street in 2022.
As demolition work started in late 2024, a letter to local residents from Homes NSW outlined a plan to demolish the existing TAFE buildings and structures, including footpaths and internal roads.
Once that work is completed, the infrastructure is expected to be replaced by a development that includes a 20-unit social housing project set aside for seniors, eight affordable duplex homes and 67 private dwellings.
The cross-agency collaboration between Homes NSW, TAFE NSW and Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) is set to also provide new infrastructure, including roads, footpaths and street lighting.
Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland called on Bega residents to have their say on the development, which would strengthen the community.
“Every single person deserves a secure, affordable and dignified place to call home,” he said. ”This project is a major step toward easing the housing pressures facing our region.
“By breathing new life into former government land, we are creating places where seniors, families and individuals can all find a home.”
In 2023, the Minns State Government flagged its intention to redevelop the old Bega TAFE site in Barrack Street into housing stock.
Homes NSW also recently acquired additional land in nearby East Street, bringing the area to a 7.7-hectare site.
The housing development, across Barrack and East streets, is expected to start opening in late 2027. Photo: Homes NSW.
The NSW Government has also released several planning documents relating to the 72-lot subdivision development ahead of the current round of consultation.
An analysis of the nearby road network for the project found that while the proposed development would likely have “no discernible impact” on road safety, it called on BVSC to consider a series of protective measures. These included a ”Give Way” sign in Barrack Street and the introduction of ”No Stopping” parking restrictions.
“There are currently no recorded crashes and the minor increase in traffic volumes, with negligible increases in delays or queues, indicates the proposed development would have no discernible impact on road safety,” the documents say.
“As such, no additional works are considered necessary to support the proposed development, however the improvements to the intersection to improve safety of the existing intersection should be considered by council.”
A heritage assessment determined that nearby historical items wouldn’t be disturbed by the development, while a noise investigation found that “no unacceptable noise impacts” were predicted to come from the development.
Two hollow-bearing trees will be impacted, according to the environmental assessment.
Members of the public can have their say by phoning 1800 738 718 (people are asked to leave a voicemail for a call-back) or by emailing [email protected].
There are also two drop-in sessions being held next month, both at the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre at Zingel Place:
- 2 December, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
- 3 December, 9:30 am to 11:30 am.
Following exhibition and consultation with stakeholders, planning approval is expected in early 2026, with construction to start in the second half of 2026.
It is expected that construction of the first homes will occur in late 2027.
This project is made possible through the NSW Government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program.
Further information can be found on the NSW Government website.
