The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the NSW Government’s plans to introduce simpler rules to allow the ‘meanwhile use’ of property for temporary or emergency accommodation.
‘Meanwhile use’ refers to the temporary repurposing of vacant or underused sites for activities such as temporary accommodation, pop-up shops, creative spaces, or community hubs while longer-term plans for the property are being finalised.
Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson said plans to allow exempt and complying development pathways demonstrated the government’s commitment to innovative planning approaches that maximise the potential of vacant spaces across the state.
“Encouraging meanwhile use has long been a priority for the Property Council. It’s a practical way to inject life into dormant spaces and contribute to more vibrant and liveable cities,” Ms Stevenson said.
“This announcement provides a strong signal to the property sector, local councils, and community groups to work together in activating these spaces and unlocking their potential while long-term plans are developed, at the same time as supporting those in need,” she said.
Ms Stevenson said NSW was leading the way in demonstrating how meanwhile use can foster economic growth and improve community wellbeing, making better use of vacant land and buildings.
“TOGA Group’s The Central Project in Sydney won the nbn Award for Product, Program or Service Innovation at this year’s Property Council Innovation and Excellence Awards.
“The former Adina Apartment Hotel has enabled pop-up community housing for young people and refugees together with retail spaces for charities, prior to developers commencing construction, providing more than 33,000 nights’ accommodation since the pop-up began.
“We look forward to working with the NSW Government to make sure the new framework supports more projects like this with collaboration, reduced red tape, and the right incentives for landowners and tenants to participate,” she said.
