The former Tweed Hospital is set to be transformed into homes for thousands of people with the unused site being repurposed for 800 new homes.
The site, on the corner of Powell and Florence streets is being transferred from NSW Health to Landcom to enable the delivery of the new homes, including up to 10 per cent affordable housing.
The new homes will be an important addition for Tweed Heads which has one of the lowest housing vacancy rates in the state at just 0.8 per cent, meaning families are competing for a small pool of homes.
Alongside the new homes, the development will also deliver improved public access to the waterfront with new shared pedestrian and bicycle paths, and increased tree canopy to help keep streets cool.
The health services currently operating on the site, which include BreastScreen NSW and several community health services are being relocated nearby so locals can keep the care they rely on.
The announcement comes almost two years after the former hospital closed following the transfer of health services to the new $723 million Tweed Valley Hospital at Cudgen.
The former hospital is one of 75 surplus government-owned sites identified through the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing Property Audit, being led by Property and Development NSW, with the potential to unlock more than 12,000 homes across the state.
This is yet another example of the Minns Labor Government boosting housing supply in regional communities through surplus government land.
The State Significant Development Application will be lodged in early 2027, with construction expected to commence in 2029, pending planning approvals.
Landcom, the NSW Government’s property developer, is delivering thousands of new homes across NSW through its portfolio of projects in Greater Sydney and regional communities including the Northern Rivers, South Coast and Central West.
The Minns Labor Government’s planning reforms and surplus land audit have grown the pipeline of homes for NSW, with the highest number of homes under construction in the country; more than 80,000 homes, and more in the development pipeline.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said:
“The former Tweed Hospital site was at the centre of health care for more than 50 years, supporting local families through some of the most important moments of their lives.
“While healthcare has moved to the state-of-the-art Tweed Valley Hospital, I am pleased this site will continue to serve the community by delivering much-needed housing.
“Honouring our commitment to Tweed Heads residents, NSW Health will continue to deliver local health services in the area, with BreastScreen NSW, community health services, and Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Services set to relocate.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government unlocking hundreds of homes where they’re needed most.
“As well as delivering 800 new homes, the proposed Tweed Heads development will also deliver more greenery and improve community access to the waterfront helping us to build better communities.”
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
“Tweed Heads is one of the fastest-growing communities in NSW, which has placed immense pressure on local rental and housing markets. Unlocking this site to deliver 800 new homes is a massive win that will inject much-needed supply exactly where families want to live.
“For over half a century, this land served a vital purpose for the people of the Tweed. It is fitting that its next chapter will continue to support the community by providing secure, well-connected housing and vibrant new public spaces right on the waterfront.”
Landcom Chief Executive Officer Alexander Wendler said:
“Landcom is making homes happen for the Tweed region.
“This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the site and demonstrates Landcom’s important role in unlocking surplus government land for much needed housing.
“Landcom has a strong commitment to the Northern Rivers region including the delivery of 50 build to rent homes and a nearby 400-home subdivision project in Lismore, and affordable housing projects in Goonellabah and Mullumbimby.”
