The Minns Labor Government has paved the way for up to 2,500 new social, affordable, and private homes north of Wollongong, finalising the rezoning of the Bellambi estate today.
Homes NSW will lead a staged renewal of the 26‑hectare estate, replacing ageing social homes with at least 750 modern, safe, and well‑designed social homes, alongside private and affordable dwellings- at a minimum nearly double the social housing on the estate.
The renewal will deliver improved housing, replacing near 50 to 60 year old homes with new, modern, high-quality housing while also helping to ease pressure on the local housing market, offering more housing choices in the area.
Key features of the finalised rezoning:
- minimum of 30 per cent social housing
- maximum building heights of between three and four storey homes on the beach front and six storey homes in the centre of the estate
- floor space ratios between 0.8:1 and 1.8:1
- a new local centre and public plaza
- upgraded public open spaces and improved local streets with improved walking and cycling connections
- minimum tree canopy target of 30 per cent across the rezoning area.
Submissions received during the public exhibition period were carefully considered as part of the finalisation of the proposal.
As planning for the redevelopment progresses, Homes NSW will continue to work closely with existing residents at every step, keeping them informed and supported throughout.
Since the NSW Government identified the area as suitable for housing renewal in June 2024, Homes NSW has undertaken extensive engagement with residents and the local community, with findings published in the Bellambi People and Place Plan in October 2025.
The redevelopment of Bellambi estate will help meet housing targets set by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 and the Wollongong Local Planning Statement 2025-2045.
For more information, visit NSW Planning.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast and Member for Keira Ryan Park said:
"This investment in the Bellambi community is the most significant we have seen decades. It will replace ageing homes, many of which are 50 to 60 years old, with modern, energy-efficient housing that is warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and more accessible for some of our most vulnerable and elderly residents.
"This renewal will also deliver upgraded infrastructure and improved connectivity throughout Bellambi, helping to provide the quality housing, community facilities, and local improvements that will support the area's growth and strengthen the community for generations to come."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
"Renewing the Bellambi estate will create thousands of new homes close to the beach, open space, and public transport along with thousands of jobs for tradespeople needed to deliver this multi-year build.
"This is an overdue investment that will replace homes more than 50 years old with new, modern, high-quality housing.
"This is the largest investment in Bellambi ever and is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities by delivering more social housing alongside market housing to either rent or buy at the same time."
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"We're delivering modern, high‑quality homes in Bellambi, along with better open spaces, improved community facilities, and a new local retail centre for residents.
"Since August 2024, we've been working closely with the community to shape Bellambi's renewal, with plans to deliver thousands of new social, affordable, and private homes.
"Through our $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, we're making sure more people across the state can access a safe and secure home."
