'City shaping': Major milestone for social housing renewal project in Sydney's heart

Australia’s largest social housing renewal project has moved closer to reality, with the NSW government confirming major partners to begin the transformation of Waterloo in Sydney’s inner city.

Stockland, Link Wentworth, City West Housing and Birribee Housing are on board to manage the planning, design, delivery and operations of Waterloo South – the first stage in the precinct’s renewal – which will deliver more than 3000 new homes within three kilometres of the CBD.

Half of these will be dedicated to social and affordable housing, alongside private homes. This will provide over 1000 new social homes and 600 affordable homes where they’re needed, within walking distance of amenities and public transport.

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the transformation of this precinct, located on Gadigal Land, is about more than just housing; it’s to provide broader opportunities for people to live within a vibrant inner-city community.

“Signing these contracts marks a historic moment for Waterloo and for social housing in Australia,” she said. “We are not just replacing old homes, we’re creating a thriving, inclusive and well-connected community that honours the rich history of the area.”

Birribee Housing will lead housing allocations to ensure 20 per cent of social homes and 15 per cent of affordable homes are dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents.

“With more than 1600 social and affordable homes, a new two-hectare park, and a commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing and cultural inclusion, we are setting a new benchmark for large-scale social housing renewal,” Jackson said.

The project will now progress to the next phase, including site investigations, planning approvals and ongoing community engagement.

Staged tenant relocations are already underway, and current residents will be able to move into new or near-new homes within the local area.

“Every resident has the right to return to a brand-new home once the project is complete,” Jackson said.

Creating homes for future needs

Stockland and Homes NSW are working to create modern and well-designed homes to replace the existing older social housing located on the site.

The new social housing will meet modern accessibility and sustainability standards, including a minimum silver-level Liveable Communities Design Standard and some gold-level standards.

Buildings and outdoor spaces will be designed to minimise energy, water, waste and urban heat effects, achieving a minimum 6-star Green Star communities rating accreditation for the precinct.

“We understand the deep responsibility that comes with our selection, and we are committed to delivering the project in a way that respects the community and the important history of Waterloo,” said Stockland managing director and chief executive Tarun Gupta.

“Building on Stockland’s 73-year legacy as a leading creator and curator of connected communities, we look forward to working with Homes NSW, our partners, and the community to deliver vibrant and inclusive spaces with high-quality homes for all residents.”

The revitalisation will also deliver new community and retail spaces along George Street.

Waterloo South takes up 65 per cent of the project’s site. The other two stages, Waterloo Central and Waterloo North, are set to roll out over the next 30 years to minimise disruption.