Sydney Anglican Property to deliver affordable houses in Bankstown and Regents Park

Sydney Anglican Property (SAP) will deliver two major housing projects that will bring nearly 260 social and affordable homes in Bankstown and Regents Park.

The successful bids, under the first round of the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), means Sustainable Development Group, SAP's development partner, will now draw up development application plans for the much-needed social and affordable housing in Sydney’s south-west. 

SAP CEO Ross Jones said that these projects are about more than just housing—they are about serving both congregations and the wider community. 

“At SAP, our mission is to use church property to meet the needs of both current and future generations," Jones said.

"We’re thrilled that these projects have been supported. They will provide secure homes for those in need,  as well as vital ministry and community facilities for our growing congregations. 

“We have been blessed with properties across Greater Sydney, provided through the faithfulness of previous generations. We now have an opportunity to activate these properties through the provision of social and affordable housing along with concurrent upgrading of church facilities to cater for the needs of modern churches."

The two projects, designed by Plus Architecture, are part of a wider urban renewal program across the Anglican Church’s Sydney Diocese aimed at activating church properties with a range of integrated social infrastructure. 

“A lot of hard work and prayer has gone into making this happen, and securing these projects with the Housing Australia Future Fund has been the key to unlocking the feasibility of these developments. Now, we look forward to delivering the new homes and community spaces these areas desperately need.” 

A new era for Bankstown 

On the current site of St Paul’s Anglican Church, Bankstown, SAP will deliver: 

• A brand-new church and ministry centre—a modern space for worship and community use with  seating for up to 500. 
• 185 social and affordable housing units for essential workers, seniors, and women over 55. • A preschool to support young families. 
• Retail and commercial spaces, creating a vibrant new local hub. 
• A family-sized apartment for the church’s Senior Minister and his family. 

Rev Peter Ko, Senior Minister of St Paul’s Bankstown, is excited for what this means for the congregation  and the community:

“St Paul’s has been a part of Bankstown for over 100 years, and we’re committed to remaining here for  generations to come. Our current facilities are no longer fit-for-purpose, but this redevelopment ensures  we can continue serving the local community while also helping address Sydney’s housing crisis. We’re  incredibly grateful for this opportunity.” 

A new chapter for Regents Park 

At Regents Park, the former church site on Edwin St and Kingsland Rd will be transformed into: 

• 74 social housing units – for single women over 55 and families in need of a stable, secure home. 
• Over 500 square metres of communal space (including a roof-top terrace) to foster connection among residents and host community-building activities organised by Anglicare and the church. 

Rev Mike Doyle, Rector of St James Berala (which oversees Regents Park), sees this project as a new way to bless the community: 

“With the site no longer used for gatherings, we wanted to ensure it is a blessing to our local community. And what better way to do that than by providing homes for those who need them most? This is the  Anglican Church committing itself to the good of Regents Park. I can’t wait for the day when new  residents move in – we’ll be ready to welcome them into a neighbourhood we love to call home.” 

SAP is partnering with Sustainable Development Group (SDG). SDG’s Managing Director, Richard Ollerhead said these significant projects demonstrate SDG’s mission to see faith-based landholdings activated through the delivery of essential social infrastructure. 

“Under God, we consider it a great privilege and joy to continue our close partnership with churches, SAP and the project teams in the development of these community assets,” Ollerhead said. 

“We are excited about the long-term transformational impacts these projects will have for generations of  seniors, workers, children and families.”