Timberyards by RTL Co. set to deliver one of Sydney’s best neo-industrial neighbourhoods

Rent to Live Co. (RTL Co.) has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its highly anticipated $1.5 billion mixed-use Build to Rent, affordable housing and co-living precinct, The Timberyards, in Sydney’s ever-popular inner west. 

The application is underpinned by design excellence and has been prepared by an industry leading design team consisting of Turner Studio, Tribe Studio, Architecture AND, Aileen Sage Architecture, Matthew Pullinger and best in class connection to Country and landscape architecture experts Yerrabingin and Arcadia. 

Render of the Timberyards' courtyard / supplied

With community connection at its heart, the design pays homage to its past with the retention of an existing warehouse structure as the centrepiece of the central public domain corridor and the inclusion of new creative, cultural and recreational spaces designed to cater for a mix of experiences and community needs – providing significant public benefit to the local government area. 

Once approved, The Timberyards will be the largest Build to Rent development in Sydney and is set to transform an existing light industrial private land holding into a regenerated neighbourhood underpinned by approximately 10,000sqm of public open space in the heart of Marrickville. 

RTL Co. will own and operate the precinct in perpetuity and remain a constant link between residents and the Marrickville community to deliver a harmonious and vibrant living experience. 

The development aims to address the current housing shortage and housing affordability crisis in Sydney and provide a mix of living and cultural experiences for future residents and community alike. 

The project vision has been informed by international benchmarks and seeks to create a global inspiration of how one precinct can positively impact its existing context. 

View within the Timberyards' development / supplied

The submission includes an overview of projected long-term economic opportunity, including significant job creation through the construction and operational phases of the development, along with sustainability and cultural sensitivity assessments, mindful of the area’s rich heritage, character, First Nations significance, and distinct architectural traits. 

The SSDA incorporates seven buildings ranging from eight to thirteen storeys, with 1,188 ‘for rent’ apartments including 115 affordable for-rent living apartments, 484 Build to Rent apartments, and 589 co-living dwellings, plus 2,400sqm of commercial and retail space, and for residents, more than 2,600 square metres of communal indoor space and 10,000sqm of outdoor communal and public open space. 

The 2.2-hectare site bound by Victoria Road, Sydenham Road, Farr Street and Mitchell Street has a focus on green travel through the provision of 726 bicycle spots, which aligns to the intended public transport and green travel focussed demographic – with the site situated 700m from Sydenham Station. 

The development will also provide a car share scheme for residents to book and use cars on an ‘on demand’ basis – reducing the need for on-site car parking and dependency on the local road network.

The SSDA will shortly go on public exhibition via the Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure and commence construction in early 2026.


Render: External view of the Timberyards / supplied