Council and Homes NSW begin discovery phase for new housing

Published on 28 August 2025

Armidale Regional Council has endorsed the commencement of a strategic partnership with Homes NSW to explore new housing opportunities at two key sites: the former Duval High School and 17 Grandview Crescent, Armidale.

Armidale Mayor Sam Coupland said this is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with Homes NSW to unlock housing potential in Armidale.

“We are still in the discovery phase, and nothing is locked in yet, but the possibilities are promising with the estimates being up to 150 new homes with a modest proportion of around 30 percent social, affordable and seniors’ homes,” said Mayor Coupland

The NSW Government has clearly stated that the former Duval High School site is surplus to its requirements, opening the door for Council and Homes NSW to investigate how it could be repurposed to deliver a mix of housing types.

The partnership will explore options for social housing, seniors housing, and market housing, with a strong emphasis on design quality and integration. Importantly, both the seniors and social housing components will be indistinguishable from private homes, ensuring a cohesive and inclusive neighbourhood character.

“These sites offer a unique chance to deliver housing diversity and renewal in well-located areas,” said Mayor Coupland.

“The former Duval High School site, in particular, presents a significant opportunity for mixed-use development that could support a vibrant new neighbourhood with high quality public open space and amenities.”

The initiative aligns with Council’s Local Housing Strategy (LHS) and the broader vision outlined in the Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), Toward 50,000, which aims to grow the region’s population and housing supply over the next 20 years.

“We know the Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) will place significant strain on the local housing market, which is already tight,” said Mayor Coupland.

“It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and complain, but this is a real opportunity for Council to show itself as a mature partner with the NSW Government, ready to respond to the challenges and opportunities coming our way.”

Council encourages residents and stakeholders to engage with the proposal during its public exhibition phase.