Millers Point homes are being released onto the market, as the area undergoes a period of change.
The sale of 290 government-owned Millers Point properties is underway. The properties are of immense historic significance, and are uniquely located within an easy walk of the CBD and on the harbour.
The NSW government expects to raise $500 million from the sales, which will occur over two years, and plans to built 1,500 new public housing dwellings with the proceeds.
Social Housing Minister Brad Hazzard has already announced that 10 public housing units will be built at Lurnea with a portion of the proceeds.
The sell-off has not been without controversy. A number of families remain in the homes, and many have long connections with the properties. There are hopes that public housing will be built in and around Millers Point, so that current residents, many of whom are elderly, can remain in the area.
In order to preserve the properties' immense historical significance, any alternations must comply with stringent conservation management guidelines.
The sale of the properties is one aspect of the renewal of the entire Millers Point peninsula. Historic architecture rubs shoulders with contemporary development and design in the unique suburb. Newly opened Barangaroo Reserve connects the suburb with the harbour, providing open space and beautiful gardens. And Hickson Road has evolved into a vibrant arts scene.
Four Millers Point properties are on the market. Number 18 Merriman Street is a double-fronted, freestanding building that dates back to the 1830s. It sits in a quiet cul-de-sac by harbour parkland. The two-bedroom home is described as a 'colonial treasure'.
Numbers 24 and 26 Merriman Street are also for sale. The Georgian-style terraces are at the northern tip of the Millers Point peninsula, offering rare views of both the harbour and Barangaroo Reserve. The row was built in 1868 for maritime workers. Both homes have three bedrooms.
And a Georgian-style, sandstone terrace is for sale at 45 Kent Street. This three-bedroom home was built in 1865 and has dramatic views of Walsh Bay harbour from upstairs. Earlier this year, another property in the row sold for $1.6 million.
The properties are being marketed by Lorraine Crawford (0412 274 545) and Peter Starr (0425 252 525) of McGrath, and will go to auction on 22 September. They are open for inspection by appointment.