Mark Speakman
NSW Leader of the Opposition
Natalie Ward
Deputy Liberal Leader
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads
Scott Farow
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
Shadow Minister for Housing
An elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will unlock the Erskineville, Macdonaldtown, Newtown and St Peters area for new housing, transforming land around four train stations for a vibrant, connected community with thousands of new homes.
This announcement follows on from the Long Bay plan for thousands of homes unveiled last month. Together they mark the beginning of a series of bold commitments to tackle the housing shortage and give more families, renters and first-time buyers a fair go.
The precinct commitment today covers more than 100 hectares of land located in the City of Sydney local government area and within minutes of Central Station. Today it holds mostly low-rise housing. The plan is to protect the character of key heritage streets while focusing new homes near stations and on suitable redevelopment sites.
Early estimates suggest the area could support up to 15,000 new homes, staged over time with schools, childcare centres, green spaces and community facilities.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the renewal would change lives by putting more housing where transport and services already exist.
"We're putting forward a vision that makes sense for Sydney. These are neighbourhoods with trains, hospitals, schools and universities on their doorstep. Our plan is about making sure the next generation can afford to live here too. We won't sit by while others make excuses," Mr Speakman said.
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said the plan shows how infrastructure and housing can work together.
"With four stations already in place, this community can grow without forcing people further away from jobs and study. Macdonaldtown station already has an upgrade planned and we would improve cycleways and safer walking links. Just like we built the metros and light rail, we will deliver the transport that makes housing possible," Ms Ward said.
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said the renewal would show how density and amenity can work hand in hand.
"This is about homes with heart. We will renew communities with open space and give people the schools and services they need. This is a once-in-a-generation chance to bring new life to the inner city while protecting what makes it special," Mr Farlow said.
Key features of the plan include:
- A staged renewal with a master planning process focussed within an 800-metre radius of Erskineville station and 400-metre radius of Macdonaldtown, Newtown and St Peters stations, limited to within the City of Sydney Council area. The total investigation area would be in excess of 100 hectares, delivering up to 15,000 new homes depending on final boundaries and configuration.
- Completing upgrades to Macdonaldtown station and early delivery of new cycling corridors and pedestrian connections.
- Expansion of local schools and new childcare centres to keep pace with population growth.
- New parks, community facilities and sustainability standards to support liveability.
- A planning approach that considers local heritage and places higher density near stations, with high frequency services within 10 minutes off Central.
This renewal is just one element of the Liberals' and Nationals' housing agenda for 2027, showing that bold ideas and practical delivery can transform Sydney for the better.
