Hassell joins Landcom to help shape a new kind of neighbourhood for East Lismore

Hassell is partnering with Landcom on a landmark opportunity to rethink what resilient, people-centred housing can look like in East Lismore.

With the region still feeling the effects of the 2022 floods and ongoing housing pressures, the project aims to help rebuild and reconnect the community in this regional town of the Northern Rivers. Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority are working together to transform a 72-hectare site into a neighbourhood grounded in affordability, sustainability and local character — and residents will be invited to help shape the masterplan as it evolves.

For Hassell, it’s an important opportunity to design a place that is distinct to the Northern Rivers, with a mix of homes tailored to community needs, welcoming public spaces and a master plan that responds to the site’s hills, forests, creek lines and views. The new neighbourhood will provide at least 400 dwellings, including a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing for very low to moderate-income households. Land will also be set aside for relocating suitable homes from flood-affected areas. Stage 1 could deliver around 100 smaller and more affordable housing options, including terraces and low-rise apartments.

This is a precinct shaped by a ​“tread lightly” philosophy, protecting habitat and flood-prone areas while weaving in green connections, walkable streets, cycling links and opportunities for public art that reflect Country and local culture. It’s a chance to test ideas, explore new approaches and set a fresh benchmark for how regional neighbourhoods can grow in a changing climate.

Design work is now underway, with a Development Application planned for early 2026. As planning progresses, Hassell looks forward to working closely with Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority to help bring this precinct to life — demonstrating what resilient, future-ready housing can offer the Northern Rivers.