The Minns Labor Government is taking the next step in the renewal of Waterloo South with a concept development and rezoning application now on public exhibition.
Waterloo South is Australia's largest and most transformative public housing renewal and a cornerstone of the NSW Government's historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which will deliver:
- 8,400 new public homes
- 21,000 new affordable and private homes
- Upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties
The proposal sets out a vision for a vibrant new inner-city neighbourhood that could enable around 3,300 new homes, where at least half would be delivered as social or affordable housing.
This will more than double the number of social and affordable homes currently on the site.
Central to the proposal are two new public parks, including a two-hectare main park and a 1,000 square metre community park, which will form the heart of the new Waterloo South and provide welcoming places for people to relax, gather and connect on Gadigal land.
The new homes will sit alongside transport, local shops and cafés, a new supermarket, essential services, and community facilities designed to support health, wellbeing and social connection.
First announced in 2015, the Waterloo South renewal stalled for years, with little progress until 2022. Since our election in 2023, we've turned vision into action by increasing public and affordable housing to 50 per cent, fully funding the project, completing the first stage of relocations, lodging the Concept SSDA and now moving toward demolition and delivery.
To enable this transformation, Homes NSW and Stockland, the lead delivery partner, have now lodged a Concept State Significant Development Application (SSDA).
While Waterloo South was initially rezoned in 2022, a new rezoning will be lodged at the same time, proposing minor updates to ensure they align with the Concept SSDA.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) will now assess a combined rezoning and Concept SSDA.
The Waterloo South renewal will be delivered in stages over the coming years to support a carefully managed transition for existing residents.
Some residents in the first stage of relocations have already moved into brand new homes at the Waterloo Metro Quarter and Boronia apartments.
Any residents required to relocate for the renewal will be given at least six months' written notice before needing to move and will be supported throughout the process.
The proposal is currently on public exhibition and members of the community are encouraged to provide feedback until Tuesday, 2 June 2026.
For more information and to make a submission, please visit: planningportal.nsw.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:
"This concept DA brings thousands of new public, affordable and market homes on the doorstep of the Waterloo Metro station another step closer to reality.
"Importantly, alongside the new homes the plan also proposes new open space where residents and the broader community can gather, relax and play.
"The Waterloo South renewal is a project that will reshape the area for decades to come so I encourage people to view the plans and share their feedback during the exhibition period."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:
"This is one of the most significant housing renewals in the country and I'm thrilled to be moving into the next stage, offering the community their first look at the new Waterloo South.
"When we came to government, we immediately reviewed the plans for the Waterloo renewal and boosted the number of public and affordable homes from 35 to 50 per cent. This was a crucial step to ensure Waterloo remains a welcoming place for people from all walks of life to call home now and into the future.
"We know how important this project is to the community and we want to hear from residents to help shape what comes next.
"There is no time to waste in a housing crisis. I feel that urgency every day and I'm looking forward to moving to the next stage of this renewal project that will deliver more than four times the number of homes currently on this site."
Quotes attributable to Stockland Managing Director and CEO Tarun Gupta:
"As delivery partner, Stockland is proud to be working with the NSW Government on the renewal of Waterloo South - a significant project with community at its heart.
"The Concept Plan sets the framework for a liveable and inclusive neighbourhood with new social, affordable and market housing, supported by parks, services and community infrastructure.
"We look forward to continuing to work closely with Homes NSW and our community housing partners to deliver a place where the community can thrive over the long term."
