The Cowper Street Social Housing Development in Glebe, NSW, is a very special place for those who call it home – and now it is an award winner!
The NSW Government Development won best Social/Affordable Development at the Urban Taskforce Australia Awards.
His Majesty King Charles III visited the development building site in October 2024 to meet three King’s Trust Australia trainees, and praised the design, which we were proud to consult on.
The judges heard, “Homes NSW has delivered 75 new social homes in Glebe, replacing ageing housing with modern, high-quality and accessible apartments. The development increases supply, meets contemporary tenant needs, and is close to shops and transport. Thoughtful design, landscaping and green roofs improve sustainability, streetscape integration and neighbourhood amenity for local community. Together, these new homes provide safe, comfortable and contemporary housing while reinforcing the character, accessibility and liveability of Glebe.”
The King’s Trust Australia chair The Hon Julie Bishop said, “We are thrilled that soon these apartments and townhouses will be filled with families and individuals, giving them a safe and eco-friendly place to live.
“The Trust has been involved with this project for eight years, and I love that the design is so locally inspired. The woolstores and terrace houses reflect the heritage character of this area.”
The Trust gives special mention to Dominic Richards, Justin Hewitt and Alexander Dowthwaite, who were amongst the visionaries behind the project.
The King’s Trust Australia board member Dominic Richards, who has worked on the project since its inception, said: “This development stands as a testament to what becomes possible when likeminded partners unite around a shared purpose — to benefit people, places, and the planet in equal measure.
“By confronting the pressing challenges of adding urban density and protecting neighbourhood identity head-on, and by coupling genuinely affordable homes with sustainable construction methods, we have demonstrated that an exemplar model of social housing delivery is not only imaginable but achievable. We hope it serves as a standard — and an inspiration — for projects that follow.”
Dominic is also chair of The King’s Foundation Australia.
