More than 3,300 new homes could rise across Waterloo South under plans now on public exhibition, marking the next stage of what planning documents describe as Australia’s largest housing redevelopment project.
Planning documents describe Waterloo South as a high-density neighbourhood with a mix of homes, alongside new parks, shops, community facilities and upgraded public spaces. This precinct will be connected to public transport, including the nearby Waterloo Metro station.
Public Exhibition Begins for Waterloo South Redevelopment Plan
The Waterloo South Concept State Significant Development Application (SSD-93222706) and rezoning proposal entered public exhibition in May, giving residents and community groups 28 days to review planning documents and lodge submissions.
The project is being led by Homes NSW and development partner Stockland, together with community housing organisations Link Wentworth, City West Housing and Birribee Housing.
The redevelopment would be delivered in stages over several years. Existing buildings across Waterloo South are proposed to be demolished and replaced with new mixed-tenure housing, where social, affordable and private homes are built within the same precinct.
At least half of the proposed homes would be social or affordable housing. The plan would more than double the number of social and affordable dwellings currently on the site.
New Parks and Public Spaces Planned Near Waterloo Metro
The proposal includes two new public parks, including a central two-hectare green space and a smaller community park. New pedestrian links, retail spaces, cafés, community facilities and a supermarket are also included in the broader master plan.
Design details published through the Waterloo Renewal Project and planning material place strong focus on open space, walkability and connections between Waterloo and surrounding suburbs.
Project material also refers to “Designing with Country”, an approach that incorporates Aboriginal cultural recognition and planning principles linked to Gadigal land.
Residents Weigh Relocation and Community Changes
Community groups and some residents say the redevelopment brings uncertainty around relocation and long-term community change.
Homes NSW states some residents have already moved into new homes at Waterloo Metro Quarter and the Boronia apartments as part of the first relocation stage. Authorities say tenants required to move during future stages would receive support and advance notice before relocation.
Community groups, like REDWatch, have encouraged residents to examine the exhibition documents closely and make submissions early in the consultation period due to the scale of the proposal and the amount of technical planning material involved. The group has pointed to concerns often raised during large estate redevelopments, including the impact of relocation, changes to neighbourhood identity and the length of the rebuilding process.
Some residents have also raised concerns about how future development stages may affect existing social networks within Waterloo.
Sydney Housing Pressure Drives Focus on Inner-City Renewal
The redevelopment comes as Sydney continues to face pressure over housing supply, affordability and access to social housing close to the CBD. NSW has linked the Waterloo South project to its broader housing program, which includes plans for new public housing, affordable housing and upgrades to existing social housing properties across the state.
Public submissions on the Waterloo South Concept Plan and rezoning proposal remain open through the NSW Planning Portal until 2 June 2026.
Published 15-May-2026
