NSW premier open to ‘pattern-book’ housing across Sydney as solution for crisis

Unlikely alliance pushes for more medium-density housing of the sort typically found in inner-city suburbs

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, says he is open to a proposal to pre-approve “pattern-book” housing designs that can be rolled out in Sydney suburbs – an idea being championed by an unlikely alliance of unions, big business and universities.

The Housing Now group, launched on Monday, argues that 30 suburbs need to be, in effect, transformed into inner-city Surry Hills by adding higher density houses and medium-rise apartment buildings.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup