GLEBE ESTATE

In the 1970s the newly created federal department of Urban and Regional Development (DURD) promoted the recycling of older houses rather than demolition and redevelopment. Their model was the Glebe estate which was the largest recycled housing project in the world. The program involved more than 710 dwellings in the estate. The renovation program was decided after an intensive "benefits cost" study which favoured renovation and sale. However, the next best option; "renovation and lease" was chosen because of the Commonwealth's desire to demonstrate the effectiveness of the renovation option to the state housing authorities.

The Victorian era cottages were expertly and authentically renovated by the firstly, the Commonwealth and at a latter stage, by the NSW Department of Housing. The final cost per residence has proved to be very high and the estate is still divided by busy roads however, the renovations itself have been particularly successful.

See glebe estate cba

Glebe estate - photos