FOKE has heard that there are plans to fast-track six storey or less apartments for the “missing middle” that will devastate Ku-ring-gai’s Heritage Conservation Areas.

Former NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler is currently working with Decode Group and other key industry players to fast-track the delivery of housing projects under $60 million.

Ku-ring-gai is being targetted by the Transport Oriented Development and Low to Mid-Rise apartments of 6-8 storey. This appears to be what David Chandler would be “supporting” fast tracking”.

David Chandler is working to formally launch a ” Future Constructors Academy”, in early 2025 to enable large building firms to mentor, support and invest in smaller builders to assist the delivery of six-storey medium density apartments. The Academy is expected to support the first 10 to 15 start-up builders by the end of 2025.

David Chandler has established a developers’ working group to work with the NSW Government aiming to build the $60 million apartment market.

Chandler believes that the majority of future housing supply – smaller-scale developments face a critical skills shortage.

The NSW NSW Government has set a target of 377,000 new “well-located” homes across Greater Sydney by 2029 as part of its commitment to the National Housing Accord.

David Chandler estimates that around 35,000 apartments need to be built annually with most demand for medium density housing or what is now described as ” smaller-scale developments”, despite towering over low scale residential areas.

The Future Constructors Academy will offer a targeted solution by pairing smaller builders with established firms through a sponsorship model, targeting the under $60 million six-storey apartments. It will also explore ” modular construction methods”, “waste reduction strategies” and “partnerships with universities” to develop efficient, environmentally friendly building practices.

This policy is supported by Decode Group chief executive Divya Mehta who call for the NSW Government to streamline quicker approvals and “unlock opportunities” (ie Ku-ring-gai).

David Chandler supports NSW Planning having a DA “tracker” that is regularly published reporting on the number of over-six-storey DAs being approved from 1 July onwards, and the under-six-storey approvals.