Waterloo south

The Gadigal people of the Eora Nation are the Traditional Custodians of the place we now call Waterloo.

The NSW Government is renewing Waterloo south and has changed the rules for how land can be used. The plan was finalised on 11 November 2022 with the new planning controls in effect from 28 February 2023.

The plan supports the delivery of new social and affordable housing and private homes with access to improved community facilities, shops and transport. There will be an additional 2.5 hectares of public open space provided for field sports, cycling and walking.

Importantly, the plan will see at least 847 social housing homes built, almost 100 more homes than currently on the site. Additionally, around 7% of new homes will be set aside for affordable housing.

The plan builds on the strengths and character of the area and supports the needs of the growing number of people who call Waterloo home.

Planning proposal

The proposed plan for Waterloo south was on public exhibition from 3 March to 29 April 2022. We thank the community for sharing their feedback during this time.

The department reviewed all feedback received during the exhibition period. We also carried out additional investigations needed to better understand the issues raised during this time.

Changes to the proposed plan

After careful consideration of the feedback received during public exhibition and findings from the additional studies, the department made improvements to the plan that:

• remove the proposed opening of Pitt Street to McEvoy Street
• make the purpose of the design guide clearer
• make information more consistent across the planning documents and better aligned with local planning rules
• provide greater flexibility and opportunity for innovation in building designs
• update the plan to meet with current state planning policy.

The planning documents have also been updated to include:

• updated traffic report
• crime prevention through environmental design report
• updated urban design report
• additional sunlight and shadow studies.

You can read the submissions, Finalisation Report and supporting documentation, including a response to the submissions received on the NSW Planning Portal.

View the Waterloo South building heights map.

What happens next?

The planning control changes came into effect on 28 February 2023.

All future development will go through the development application process, including consultation with the community, before any development can begin.