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 and will come into effect when contributions for infrastructure are finalised this year.
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 Planning Portal.
What happens next?
The Land and Housing Corporation as the landowner has worked with the City of Sydney to develop plans to deliver the infrastructure needed to support new businesses, communities and homes in the estate. This is known as a planning agreement.
The department has released the planning agreement, and it is open for public feedback until Monday 20 February 2023. Frequently asked questions (PDF, 148 KB) on the planning agreement are now available.
Once the agreement is finalised, the changes to zoning will come into effect and new development applications can be submitted.
All future development will go through the development application process, including consultation with the community, before any development can begin.
Planning process for Waterloo south
A new plan for Waterloo south was proposed
May 2020
The plan was sent to the department for review
March 2021
The plan was made public and open for feedback
June 2021
Feedback was considered, and the plan was revised
March 2022
The revised plan was submitted for finalisation
July 2022
The plan is finalised
November 2022
Plans to deliver infrastructure are released
January 2023
Infrastructure plans are finalised and new rules are in place
2023
New development applications can be submitted
2023

More information
For more information on the plan for Waterloo south you can:
- phone 1300 420 596 (Mon-Fri 8:30-17:00) and select option 2
- email us at waterloo.project@dpie.nsw.gov.au