The Minns Labor Government is unlocking up to 2,500 new social, affordable, and market homes within the Bellambi estate, as part of a staged renewal of the site led by Homes NSW.
The State Assessed Rezoning Proposal, now on public exhibition, is being assessed under the Social and Affordable Housing Pathway and will seek changes to the Wollongong Local Environmental Plan to enable:
- a minimum 30 per cent new social homes
- maximum building heights of between three and six storeys
- a new local centre with shops and services
- improved open space and community facilities
- increased tree planting and landscaping, targeting a minimum 30 per cent canopy cover.
Renewing Bellambi estate will enable Homes NSW to deliver more contemporary, fit-for-purpose social and affordable homes that better meet the needs of current and future residents.
Most of homes in Bellambi estate were built in the 1950s and 60s with some now more than 70 years old.
The long-term proposal will also help ease pressure on the housing market by increasing local housing supply and choice for Wollongong residents. The renewal will be delivered in stages over several years.
Since the NSW Government announced 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 Minns Labor Government has made a record $6.6 billion investment in social housing.
This is all part of the Minns Government's plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so people have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.
The Rezoning Proposal is on public exhibition for 28 days and we encourage all members of the community to submit their feedback via the NSW Planning Portal before 5pm Friday, 13 March.
Community drop-in sessions will be held to enable residents to view the plans and provide feedback.
For more information, visit Homes NSW.
Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast and Member for Keira Ryan Park said:
"This community-led renewal will deliver much-needed housing to the Illawarra region, while also delivering improved roads, parks, and public spaces for the Wollongong community.
"It's about strengthening our community and ensuring Bellambi remains a welcoming and vibrant place for the people of Wollongong for generations to come."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
"This is a major milestone for Bellambi, which supports sustainable housing growth by enabling the thousands more social, affordable and market homes for current and future residents.
"The rezoning will also improve access to open space and amenities, making Bellambi a great place to live."
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"Renewing Bellambi means providing more and better homes that meet local needs, while addressing the housing challenges across the Illawarra and NSW.
"We're locking in a minimum 30 per cent social housing from the start to ensure our most vulnerable are looked after, plus we're proposing some big improvements to community amenities.
"We've listened closely to the community since August 2024, and we now want to hear their feedback on this proposal, which reflects the priorities and vision of residents, stakeholders, and the community."
