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Local Restaurant Guide – 2033

We’ve combed Kensington for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!

1. Fana’s Italian Kitchen Kensington

About Fana’s Italian Kitchen Kensington
4.9 Google Rating

152 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW 2033

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Luca Muffato
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recently ordered from Fana’s Italian Pizzeria in Kensington, and I was seriously impressed. After 5 years living in Sydney, this is without a doubt the best Italian food I’ve had. The pasta with saffron and sausage was absolutely delicious — rich, flavourful, and cooked to perfection.
The owners are incredibly kind and genuine, and the prices are more than fair for the quality. A true hidden gem — I’ll definitely be ordering again! Can’t wait to try their pizza.

shukla stutii
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m from India and love spicy food. I let the chef pick a vegetarian pasta for me, requesting it be spicy with a creamy sauce. The result was fantastic! The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the sauce had just the right amount of spice. The chef did a great job blending traditional Italian flavors with the heat I love. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a tasty, spicy meal!

Charis Revo
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the spaghetti was good, the taste is immaculate, also friendly store owner give me a free dessert. One thing i wish more is the portion, but anyway it js delicious.

2. Bar Lucio

About Bar Lucio
4.5 Google Rating

12 Lenthall St, Kensington NSW 2033

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George Nassour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Delightful Culinary Experience at Lucio BarI recently had the pleasure of visiting Lucio Bar, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in the food is truly commendable.First, let’s talk about the sandwich. It was incredibly aromatic, with a perfect balance of flavors. The bread was thin and crunchy, providing just the right amount of texture to complement the fillings. Every bite was a joy, leaving me wishing it would never end.Next, the Caffè del Nonno was a privilege to have. It was smooth, rich, and indulgent—exactly what you would expect from a classic Italian coffee. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience that wraps you in warmth and comfort.Finally, we ended our visit with a pastry that was, without a doubt, one of the crunchiest and most flavorful I’ve ever tasted. The filling was top-notch, bursting with rich, niche flavors that perfectly capped off our meal.In conclusion, Lucio Bar offers a culinary experience that is both sophisticated and satisfying. The care and skill that go into each dish are evident, making it a place I would highly recommend to anyone who appreciates fine food and a well-crafted dining experience.

Philip Lo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very, very good coffee – definitely the best in the area by a miles length. Beautifully polished interior fit out with several small tables perfect for alfresco dining on a nice sunny day.
Great pastry and cake selection. Their paninos are great if you’re after something light and not too heavy.

Robert Casarotto
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent service and coffee. Casual laid back atmosphere which is ideal for your neighbourhood cafe. Simple, quality food offerings which are delicious.

3. Stable Talk Cafe Kensington

About Stable Talk Cafe Kensington
4.4 Google Rating

214 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW 2033

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Data Datum
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The servers are friendly, and kind. They always have a smile on their faces and even offered a very good spot in their restaurant near the AC when it was hot. The food are also good with good portion sizes. The restaurant itseld has a nice Western rustic feel.

Tula PAPPATHOPOULOS
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stable talk is hands down the best cafe in Kensington! The coffee is the best I’ve had and chocolate chip muffins are superb, and now that they are open for dinner I love popping in for a burger. The service is incomparable to anywhere else. Everyone in there is always happy to see you and has a smile on their face!

daria poleshchuk
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
really great food and service. the girl at the front is very sweet and welcoming, and the owner is also a heartwarming and welcoming. food is great, the chips are very crispy and the burgers are saucy.

4. Betawi’s Kitchen Indonesian Restaurant

About Betawi’s Kitchen Indonesian Restaurant
4.5 Google Rating

6/240 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW 2033

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Paul O’Brien
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It’s always nice to find a new local restaurant. We tried the Sate Ayam and Nasi Kuning Komplit.
Great taste and portion size. We were impressed! Luke and Yanti were very welcoming, ensuring our visit was an enjoyable one.
We look forward to visiting again soon. I’ve attached the 2025 menu and prices as listings show old menu prices.

Tasha Crawford
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This food is so yum! This is the place to go to for a hearty meal with a small group of people. Highly recommend the delicious Bakmi Ayam Komplit, very well priced and very filling!

Levina Esserry
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I came here with family. We ordered Soto Betawi on Friday’s night. The portion was really generous. It was so tasty and full of tender meat inside. We also tried Otak-Otak with peanut sauce, so yummy! We left the place with a full tummy and feeling happy! We would come back here again for sure.. 🙂

5. Pondok Buyung

About Pondok Buyung
4.4 Google Rating

140 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW 2033

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Jessica L
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As one reviewer aptly put it — no one comes here for the atmosphere, but for the food! And I absolutely love the food. It takes me back to my years working in Indonesia, a lifetime ago, and reminds me so much of the Padang meals I used to enjoy. The portions are generous and reasonably priced, and there’s always a great variety of dishes to choose from. My personal favorites? The goat curry, the rendang, the bakwan… and of course, the sambal ijo — so flavourful and nostalgic, I used to buy a little container to take home with me.

Muhammad Ikhsan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It has authentic flavors, which remind me of my hometown.
It has a Padang restaurant atmosphere, which increases my appetite.
The most fantastic thing about Pondok Buyung is its affordable prices and significant food portions.
It is very recommended for you who are craving Padang food.

Aryeh Sternberg
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Honest to goodness Indonesian food, the kind you would expect to find on the streets of Jakarta. The spice is full force, and the flavors abound. I highly recommend checking this place out as they always shift the different dishes and they are always fresh and delicious. Don’t let the grudge fool you, this is the true delicious.

Genomics Centre Marks 25 Years of Research in Kensington

Photo Credit: Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics/Instagram

A major research facility in Kensington has marked 25 years of supporting scientific advances, with the UNSW Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics celebrating its longstanding role in Australian genomics.

Anniversary Event in Kensington

On 17 June 2025, the Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics at UNSW Kensington hosted an event commemorating 25 years since its establishment. The occasion united past directors, senior university leaders, collaborators, and stakeholders.

Attendees included Emeritus Professor Ian Dawes, Professor Vanessa Hayes, and Dr Marjorie O’Neill, Member for Coogee. Representatives from Bioplatforms Australia were present. Current and former staff, Centre’s steering committee members, and other research partners were also in the venue.

Dr O’Neill noted that the Centre demonstrates the long-term benefits of bipartisan investment in science and innovation. This contributes to biomedical and public health capabilities across the state.

*Photo Credit: Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics/Instagram*

Background on the Kensington-Based Centre

The Ramaciotti Centre is located on the second floor of the Biological Sciences South Building (E26) at UNSW in Kensington. It began operations in 2000, following its foundation in 1999. Since then, it has grown into the largest university-based genomics facility in Australia. The facility supports scientific research across various disciplines, including conservation, agriculture, and health.

Scientific Contributions and Reach

The facility has processed more than 1.2 million biological samples and supported over 500 research groups globally. Notable contributions include sequencing the bilby genome in 2024 and supporting a 2018 koala genome study. The Centre also played a role in the ASPREE clinical trial and partnered with the University of Sydney on research addressing prostate cancer health disparities.

*Photo Credit: Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics/Instagram*

Focus on Technology and Sustainability

The Centre was one of the first in the country to carry out large-scale human genome sequencing. This was under the leadership of Professor Marc Wilkins between 2011 and 2022. The Centre consistently adopted emerging genomic technologies while maintaining a sustainable operational model. Its integration of innovation and practical delivery has made it a central part of the national research infrastructure.

genomics research — *Photo Credit: Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics/Instagram*

Commitment to the Future

Current Director Associate Professor Martin Smith stated that the Centre will continue adapting to advances in genomic science. Its future focus will include precision medicine, sustainable agriculture, and environmental resilience. UNSW leadership reaffirmed their commitment to the Centre’s evolving role in supporting science outcomes nationally and globally.

Published 19-June-2025

$171-M Education Building Proposed for UNSW in Kensington

Photo Credit: SSD-74670005

The University of New South Wales has proposed a significant $171 million development to build a large, eleven-storey education facility at its Kensington campus. The facility aims to boost learning and research opportunities in the local community.

New Education Facility for Kensington Campus

The University of New South Wales is moving forward with its plans to construct a major new education building on its Kensington campus. This development, known as the G25 Education Building, is set to be an eleven-storey structure offering around 20,200 square metres of space for the university’s faculties.

The building will include various facilities designed to enhance the learning experience for students and staff. Plans show a basement level that will house plant rooms, bicycle storage, end-of-trip facilities for staff, and other amenities. The ground floor is intended to be a vibrant space, featuring a food and beverage area alongside informal learning zones where students can collaborate and study.

The upper levels of the building will be dedicated to flexible teaching and learning environments, adaptable to the different needs of various university departments. The design also incorporates a rooftop area with landscaped outdoor terraces, a multi-functional space that can be used for various events, and essential mechanical plant services.

Changes to Existing Site and Infrastructure

The development proposal also includes several changes to the current site. The new building will replace an existing on-ground car park. The project will involve excavating the site and removing some trees. However, the plans also detail landscaping improvements to enhance the overall look and feel of the campus.

Upgrades to existing infrastructure and essential services are also part of the proposal to support the new building. To improve accessibility within the campus, a new lift core will be constructed in the adjacent Botany Street Carpark, known as Building H25.

Strategic Location and Planning Context

The new G25 Education Building site is located at 8 High Street in Kensington, within the Randwick Local Government Area. Currently, the site is occupied by a surface car park, sections of Library Walk, and the loading dock area for the Australian Graduate School of Management.

The university campus is strategically positioned about six kilometres south-east of Sydney’s central business district, close to the Randwick Hospital Complex and the Royal Randwick Racecourse. The area benefits from good public transport links, including light rail services, making it accessible to the wider community.

This development is part of University of New South Wales’ broader campus renewal plans, which are outlined in the UNSW 2025 Strategy and aim to improve the Kensington campus’s educational, research, and public areas. The land is zoned SP2 Infrastructure—Educational Establishment under the Randwick Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Alignment with Regional Strategies

The G25 Education Building is located within the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct, an area recognised in both the Greater Sydney Region Plan—A Metropolis of Three Cities and the Eastern City District Plan as a key centre for health, research, education, and innovation. Its proximity to major institutions like the Randwick Hospital Complex and the Royal Randwick Racecourse makes it an important hub of knowledge and activity.

The availability of public transport, such as the light rail, further enhances its connection to the broader Sydney metropolitan area. The proposal is a response to planning priorities aiming to deliver new educational infrastructure in strategic locations. It also aligns with the Randwick Collaboration Area Place Strategy, which encourages coordinated growth and investment in the health and education sectors within the region.

Planning Approval Process

The proposed development is classified as State Significant Development (SSD) under the State Environmental Planning Policy 1 (Planning Systems) 2021. This classification is due to its purpose as a tertiary institution building and its estimated development cost of $171,084,000.

The project’s planning has considered several important strategic documents, including Randwick Local Environmental Plan 2012, the Greater Sydney Region Plan, the Eastern City District Plan, and the Randwick Collaboration Area Place Strategy.

The building’s design also incorporates Government Architect NSW’s Better Placed policy principles and includes the Connecting with Country framework to acknowledge the site’s cultural and environmental significance. Community feedback on the proposal is invited from 23 April 2025 to 20 May 2025.

Published Date 13-May-2025

New Apartment Development in Kensington Draws Interest from Professionals and Investors

A major residential and retail development is set to reshape Kensington, with 142 new apartments rising on Anzac Parade, directly adjacent to a light rail stop. The project, called The Kensington, is being delivered by TOGA, a long-standing Sydney developer, in collaboration with DASCO, a 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder.

Designed to cater to both owner-occupiers and investors, the development is attracting interest from professionals, health workers, and students due to its close proximity to Prince of Wales Hospital, UNSW, and Centennial Park.

A Well-Connected New Community

Kensington has been undergoing a shift towards a higher-density, mixed-use precinct, as outlined in the Kensington and Kingsford Town Centres Development Control Plan. The Kensington development reflects this vision, integrating residential, retail, and communal spaces in a prime location.

With a light rail stop at its doorstep, residents will have direct access to Moore Park, Central Station, and the Sydney CBD. The area’s increasing connectivity and proximity to key employment and education hubs make it a sought-after location for a diverse range of residents.

Apartments Designed for Modern Living

Unlike many Kensington developments that focus on student accommodation, The Kensington is designed with owner-occupiers and professionals in mind. More than 75% of apartments will be two- and three-bedroom units, larger than the typical inner-city apartments.

A unique feature of the project is the SoHo (Small Office/Home Office) apartments, which offer a split-level layout. These units provide a ground-level workspace with an independent studio-style living area upstairs, appealing to those who work from home or want a separate rental opportunity.

The apartments have been designed to maximise natural light, with north, west, and east-facing layouts. 20% of units will be adaptable, offering greater accessibility and flexibility for buyers.

Retail and Public Spaces Enhance Community Appeal

A key feature of TOGA’s developments is the integration of retail spaces, and The Kensington is no exception. The seven ground-floor retail spaces will bring new dining, shopping, and lifestyle options to the area. Additionally, plans for a new laneway will create improved pedestrian access and enhance connectivity between Anzac Parade and surrounding streets.

Residents will also have access to rooftop communal spaces, including a BBQ and dining area, flexible activity zones, and gardens designed to promote community interaction and well-being.

Construction and Market Outlook

With construction underway by DASCO, The Kensington is expected to be completed in early 2026. The partnership between TOGA and DASCO provides buyer confidence, as both companies hold iCIRT certifications, a quality benchmark in the property development industry.

Market conditions also indicate strong rental demand in Kensington. Investors have shown increased interest, particularly with expectations of interest rate cuts in 2025 and 2026, which could further drive demand for new apartments.

Published 18-March-2025

UNSW Kensington Launches Drone-Focused Aviation Degree to Meet Industry Demand

Photo Credit: UNSW

With drone flights projected to increase from 1.5 million in 2023 to 60.4 million by 2043, demand for skilled operators is rising. In response, UNSW Kensington has introduced a Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) to prepare students for careers in agriculture, emergency response, and security.

The growth spans multiple industries. Australian farmers are expected to conduct 500,000 drone flights each year to monitor crops. Drones will also be used for 1.5 million food deliveries annually. In emergency services, they are forecasted to complete over 300,000 flights per year to assist frontline police. An additional 80,000 flights annually will support surf lifesaving operations.

UNSW Kensington drone program — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Combining Practical Training with Industry Knowledge

The Bachelor of Aviation (RPAS) distinguishes itself from traditional aviation programs by integrating hands-on experience with theoretical learning. Students complete:

40 hours of drone flight training and 40 hours of crewed aircraft flight training
Certification in both Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)
Coursework in management, programming, aviation law, and information systems

The program is designed to provide students with transferable skills, preparing them for career opportunities in a sector that is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements.

Hands-on Training with Industry Experts

In addition to classroom instruction, students gain real-world experience through partnerships with aviation and emergency response organisations. One key collaboration is with Surf Life Saving NSW, where students train to:

Fly drones for search-and-rescue missions
Spot sharks and monitor beach safety
Assist in floods and bushfire response efforts

This practical training ensures that graduates are job-ready and have the skills to work in a wide range of industries.

Drone use expanding — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

A Fast-Growing Career Path

With drones playing a bigger role in many fields, graduates of this program will have opportunities in:

Emergency and Disaster Response
Environmental Monitoring & Agriculture
Defence & Security
Surveying & Infrastructure Inspection
Drone Logistics & Delivery Services

The Future of Aviation Starts Here

As drones become an integral part of various industries, UNSW Kensington’s new program aims to equip graduates with the technical skills and operational knowledge required in this growing sector.

Published 31-Jan-2025

NIDA Raises Concerns Over UNSW’s Proposed Expansion in Kensington

The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Kensington has expressed concerns regarding the University of New South Wales (UNSW) expansion plans. The proposed development would add 881 new student rooms opposite NIDA’s main entrance.

Read: New SkyParks in Kensington to Enhance UNSW Learning Spaces

NIDA CEO Liz Hughes has stated that the development could significantly impact the institute’s operations. The organisation estimates that associated costs could represent more than a third of its annual budget and potentially affect the use of several teaching spaces.

The project’s origins trace back to May 2023, when UNSW submitted a Development Application for the redevelopment of its Western Car Park on Anzac Parade.

The initial proposal for 1,066 rooms across five buildings, with structures up to 23 storeys tall, has since been revised. Following input from Randwick Council and the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel, the current plan includes 881 rooms, with the tallest buildings reduced to 16 storeys.

NIDA reports that UNSW is set to lease the adjacent car park site to property developer Iglu for 99 years, in a deal reportedly worth $168 million. The proposed development on this site is expected to include not only student accommodation, but also commercial and retail spaces.

Ms Hughes has requested that the panel defer its decision and refer the application to NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully for additional review. She cited potential implications for NIDA’s future operations as the reason for this request.

NIDA’s concerns include the loss of nearby drop-off zones for visitors and limited parking during the estimated 3-5 year construction period. The institute also anticipates that construction activities could impact the use of teaching theatres, music studios, and sound studios, including spaces used by Master of Fine Arts students.

Several NIDA alumni, including actors Richard Roxburgh, Heather Mitchell, Sigrid Thornton, and Rob Collins, have voiced support for the institute’s position.

Read: Locals Worry About ‘Overpopulation’ With Regard To Proposed Housing In Kensington North

While recognising the demand for student housing, Ms Hughes stated that the development should not impede NIDA’s ability to operate. The institute serves its students and staff, as well as approximately 100,000 community members who visit annually.

The Sydney Eastern Planning Panel is now tasked with considering the various aspects of this development proposal in Kensington.

Published 24-September-2024

Kensington Set for Major Overhaul with $21.6 Million Dual-Tower Development

Developers are set to transform a quaint street in Kensington by demolishing three single-storey homes to make way for a $21.6 million high-rise apartment complex near a major transport hub.

Town planner Planning Ingenuity has unveiled plans for a new residential complex at 6-10 Bowral St, Kensington, which includes two high-rise towers of 10 and eight storeys. The development site, strategically positioned less than 300 metres from the Kensington Light Rail stop, benefits from its proximity to the University of NSW, Centennial Parklands, and Moore Park.

6 to 10 Bowral St Kensington — *Photo Credit: DA 208/2024*

The proposed development, DA 208/2024, would bring 34 new apartments to the area, comprising a mix of one to four-bedroom layouts. Ground Ink architects, involved in the project, have highlighted the site’s prime location for significant development due to the recent introduction of the light rail corridor.

Bowral St Kensington — *Photo Credit: DA 208/2024*

Context of the Development

This development initiative follows a series of major projects in Kensington and its surrounding suburbs.

Notably, last year, the Randwick Council approved a $52-million student housing project along Anzac Parade while construction commenced on TOGA’s $180-million mixed-use residential hub in the same suburb. These projects follow a controversial proposal by billionaire developer Harry Triguboff that faced community pushback in Zetland.

A previous proposal for a nine-storey building on the same site was rejected by the Land and Environmental Court in 2022, primarily due to concerns over the building’s height exceeding local limits by nearly 10 metres.

The current proposal, which suggests eight and ten storeys structures, aims to replace three Federation-style homes, which, while not heritage-listed, are part of a community with several protected buildings.

A heritage impact statement has been issued, noting potential conflicts between the new development’s scale and the surrounding area’s historical character.

Potential Impact and Benefits

The developers argue that the new towers would increase housing stock and offer substantial social benefits by providing diverse housing options close to essential services and public transport.

The project includes plans for 50 car parking spaces and a commercial site, enhancing the area’s accessibility and economic activity.

Approval of this project could significantly alter Kensington’s landscape and social fabric, marking another step in the suburb’s ongoing transformation driven by urban development and infrastructure enhancements.

Published 25-June-2024

Anson Group Receives Approval for 197-Unit Residential Development in Kensington

Anson Group has been approved for a significant residential development project in Kensington, marking a milestone in the company’s expansion efforts. The green light comes after a rigorous 16-month development application process for the proposed 197-apartment residential shoptop.

The project site, located at 77 to 103 Anzac Parade and 59A to 71 Boronia Street in Kensington, underwent scrutiny before receiving the go-ahead.

Anson Group lodged DA/395/2022 in August 2022 and received approval in March 2024.

According to the NSW Department of Planning, the average assessment timeframes for multi-unit residential developments in 2022-23 was 182 days, indicating a thorough approval process.

Anson Group, a real estate company with over 15 years of experience in Sydney, has strategically combined 14 lots to create a massive 6296-square-meter site in the City of Randwick. With a projected budget of $104 million, the development project aims to rejuvenate the area by constructing four buildings of varying heights, ranging from four to nine stories.

Anson Group Kensington — Photo Credit: DA/395/2022

According to BCI Central, their new development will include a variety of apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms. Buildings C and D will have nine storeys each and will be located along Anzac Parade, while the Boronia Street buildings will be four storeys high.

The buildings will be interconnected and have an upper-level infill built form. Additionally, there will be 245 parking spaces available across a two-level basement.

The architectural blueprint, designed by BVN, includes provisions for a thoroughfare link that runs east to west. This will improve accessibility and connectivity within the neighbourhood. Additionally, in a nod to community welfare, Anson Group has designated six units within the development as affordable housing, reflecting their commitment to inclusive urban development.

The site where the project is planned currently contains two-story commercial and retail spaces, as well as empty and outdated buildings. Anson Group aims to transform the area, which is expected to boost the economy, create job opportunities, and address the retail demands of the community. The upcoming development is projected to include a much-needed supermarket.

The development is taking place in Kensington Town Centre, and it is currently undergoing planning reviews to determine the best building heights and densities. The goal is to improve the infrastructure and promote commercial expansion.

Anson Group’s winning bid for the Kensington project highlights their strategic vision and dedication to enhancing Sydney’s urban landscape while meeting the changing needs of its residents.

Published 5-March-2024

Experience Cuisine Launches Unique Food Tours in Kensington

Experience Cuisine has launched an innovative culinary expedition in Kensington and has offered exclusive tours to explore Australia’s lesser-known food and wine destinations.

This initiative welcomes food and wine enthusiasts, travellers, and holidaymakers to a gastronomic journey, showcasing Australia’s vibrant food culture and diverse flavours beyond the typical tourist spots. These curated tours provide an immersive experience in local culinary traditions, from bustling food markets to picturesque vineyards and top-notch restaurants, promising to create lasting memories.

The tours organised by Experience Cuisine are not limited to food tasting as they are comprehensive journeys through Australia’s diverse culinary landscape, from its bustling urban eateries to the serene vineyards and farms in the countryside. These tours are designed to cater to a range of tastes and preferences, offering an authentic experience of local flavours and traditions.

Experience Cuisine Kensington — Photo Credit: Unsplash

Participants get to interact with local chefs, visit farmers’ markets, and learn about sustainable food practices, all while enjoying a variety of dishes that showcase Australia’s rich culinary heritage. This initiative not only provides a delightful experience for food lovers but also supports local communities and businesses

For more information on this gastronomic adventure visit the official site.

New Housing Project in North Kensington Blocked

North Kensington may be spared from a plan to introduce a new housing project following some objections from the local community.

With an average median house price of $3.4 million, North Kensington has been a target for affordable housing initiatives. However, amidst objections from Randwick Council, the scope of the housing strategy will be limited to West Randwick instead.

The NSW Planning Department proposed reinstating North Kensington and a portion of West Randwick as affordable housing investigation areas as part of a comprehensive planning proposal. Council officers informed the councillors about the department’s consideration, recommending an amendment to the Housing Investigation Area Affordable Housing Plan to include these areas, but only if the department reinstates them.

North Kensington Housing NSW — Photo Credit: NSW Planning Department

The decision to prevent increased affordable housing in North Kensington comes as the NSW Planning Department expressed concerns over Council’s push for developers to contribute 10 per cent toward affordable housing in local investigation areas.

In a letter to the Council, a representative from the Planning Department stated that the viability of this increased contribution rate “has not been tested.”

The planning representative also pointed out that the Council’s feasibility analysis had shown that even lower contribution rates of 5 to 7 per cent would not be viable.

A construction executive, George Sassine from CIMIC Group, also criticized the push, stating that it was no longer feasible to continue building houses. Mr Sassine highlighted the construction industry’s struggles with unprecedented inflation, which had led to bankruptcies. CoreLogic Australia’s construction cost index had risen by 12 per cent over the past year, with a similar increase in the previous year.

Whilst acknowledging the need for affordable housing, Sassine expressed frustration and argued for a greater focus on overall housing construction to meet the needs of the wider community. In response, the councillors voted to reduce the contribution rate to three to five per cent in major affordable housing zones.

Published 7-June-2023

1. Fana’s Italian Kitchen Kensington

About Fana’s Italian Kitchen Kensington4.9 Google Rating

Google Reviews

2. Bar Lucio

About Bar Lucio4.5 Google Rating

Google Reviews

3. Stable Talk Cafe Kensington

About Stable Talk Cafe Kensington4.4 Google Rating

Google Reviews

4. Betawi’s Kitchen Indonesian Restaurant

About Betawi’s Kitchen Indonesian Restaurant4.5 Google Rating

Google Reviews

5. Pondok Buyung

About Pondok Buyung4.4 Google Rating

Google Reviews

Anniversary Event in Kensington

Background on the Kensington-Based Centre

Scientific Contributions and Reach

Focus on Technology and Sustainability

Commitment to the Future

New Education Facility for Kensington Campus

Changes to Existing Site and Infrastructure

Strategic Location and Planning Context

Alignment with Regional Strategies

Planning Approval Process

A Well-Connected New Community

Apartments Designed for Modern Living

Retail and Public Spaces Enhance Community Appeal

Construction and Market Outlook

Combining Practical Training with Industry Knowledge

Hands-on Training with Industry Experts

A Fast-Growing Career Path

The Future of Aviation Starts Here

Context of the Development

Potential Impact and Benefits

About Fana’s Italian Kitchen Kensington
4.9 Google Rating

About Bar Lucio
4.5 Google Rating

About Stable Talk Cafe Kensington
4.4 Google Rating

About Betawi’s Kitchen Indonesian Restaurant
4.5 Google Rating

About Pondok Buyung
4.4 Google Rating