A long-term vision to transform Flinders Street into a vibrant arrival boulevard into the CBD has been endorsed, with a plan guiding future development of the precinct adopted at Monday night's meeting of Wollongong City Council.
The Flinders Street Precinct Urban Design Framework (UDF) sets out Council's vision for renewal of the precinct to capitalise on its position as a primary entryway into Wollongong, its proximity to North Wollongong station and the CBD, while preserving view corridors to Mount Keira and recognising flooding constraints.
Shaped by extensive community feedback, the UDF will inform future direction of the precinct to encourage sustainable housing growth, prioritise new publicly accessible open spaces, and improve active and public transport connections to support amenity and a range of business, retail and residential uses.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said the UDF will help revitalise the precinct and make for a thriving, vibrant gateway to Wollongong.
"We're already seeing changes in the area with the number of shop-top residential developments either built or approved in the precinct," Cr Brown said.
"We want to see that continue, but anyone who's travelled along Flinders Street in the car at peak times will know it's slow going and it doesn't offer a great deal in terms of pedestrian experience, both in terms of accessibility and amenity.
"We want to encourage development in the area, while also providing new public open spaces, fresh landscaping and tree cover, and active transport links to truly see it thrive. We're also making sure that we maintain the views of Mount Keira that we all love.
"It's currently underutilised but, if we can strike the right balance, Flinders Street holds such great potential to be a fitting gateway to Wollongong that offers both increased housing, business, and recreational opportunities in a prime location adjacent to North Wollongong station.
"We can't do it all, but through implementing this framework we can certainly incentivise the type of development we would like to see and ensure our vision aligns with community expectations in transforming this hugely significant part of our city."
The UDF was developed in recognition of increased development interest within the Flinders Street Precinct, including the State Government's Transport Orientated Development planning reforms and State Significant Development (SSD) applications approved through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.
The draft UDF has already informed Council's input into SSD proposals in the precinct.
The UDF also highlights the need for more east-west road and active transport connections through the precinct to reduce traffic congestion along Flinders Street, and recognises environmental constraints, flood management, and preservation of key view corridors toward the escarpment as key considerations.
Following a resolution of Council in October 2025, the draft UDF was exhibited from 3 November to 15 December 2025. A total of 49 submissions received, with feedback considered and implemented into the UDF adopted by Council on Monday night.
