NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson has officially opened Tallowwood Apartments, City West Housing’s new 80-home affordable housing development in the heart of Rockdale.
The 11-storey, all-electric building will provide secure, long-term rental homes for around 150 people. It is City West Housing’s first mixed-use, build-to-rent development outside the City of Sydney local government area.
Designed for people on low to moderate incomes, Tallowwood bridges the gap between social housing and the private rental market, helping local workers live closer to jobs, services and their community.
Left to right: Leonie King (CEO, City West Housing), Diana D’Ambra AM (Chair, City West Housing), the Hon Rose Jackson, MLC (NSW Minister for Housing), the Hon Stephen Kamper, MP (NSW Minister for Lands and Property, Member for Rockdale), Heidi Lee Douglas (Deputy Mayor Bayside Council)
Minister Jackson was joined at the opening by NSW Minister for Lands and Property and Member for Rockdale Stephen Kamper, Councillors from Bayside Council and housing sector leaders.
“I could not be more excited to see this quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable development in the heart of my suburb,” Minister Jackson said. “These homes will provide a roof over the heads of people who work in the local services and amenities that keep Rockdale humming.”
The development responds to significant local need. Almost one in five households in the Bayside local government area experience housing stress, according to Bayside Council’s Affordable Rental Housing Strategy 2025.
Located a short walk from Rockdale Town Centre, the train station and bus stops, Tallowwood features:
- dedicated work or study areas in most apartments
- eight adaptable apartments
- six for GoGet car share spaces onsite
- solar panels, rainwater reuse and passive design features
- native, drought-resistant landscaping that acknowledges Traditional Custodians
- two ground-floor commercial tenancies.
City West Housing CEO Leonie King said a secure home was fundamental to people’s health, wellbeing, resilience and opportunity.
“We’re extremely proud to open Tallowwood Apartments and provide more people with a secure and affordable place to live,” she said. “Our goal is to expand into other parts of Sydney and work with all levels of government to help meet affordable housing targets.”
She also acknowledged builder Versatile Construction, architect AJC, superintendent Touchstone Partners and other delivery partners who helped bring Tallowwood to life.
