Planning
Stage 1
Stage 1 of the Waterloo South renewal is located in the south‑western corner of the precinct. It covers the area bounded by McEvoy, Cope, John and Mead Streets.
Stage 1 is a major part of the project and represents around a third of the overall renewal. It will deliver:
- A new public park and community facility building
- Seven residential buildings — including four social housing buildings and one affordable housing building
- Retail spaces and facilities for community use along key streets
- Upgrades to local roads, including new footpaths, planting, seating and safety improvements.
Several planning processes are required to deliver Stage 1. Each is outlined below.
Key components of Stage 1
A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is a planning assessment that evaluates the potential environment impact of proposed works and outlines how these impacts will be managed or mitigated. Homes NSW has submitted and received approval for an REF to demolish buildings and undertake associated site works, including tree removal, within Stage 1 of Waterloo South.
To read more, visit the Homes NSW project page.
A detailed planning application is being prepared to allow early works for Stage 1. These early works include site establishment, excavation, piling and other preparatory activities.
The planning documents for the Stage 1 Early Works can be found on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure website here.
We are currently preparing a detailed application for the new buildings in Stage 1. These plans will refine the layout, design, uses and management of the buildings and public spaces, in line with the controls set out in the Concept Application and Rezoning.
The planning documents for Stage 1 Detailed Design can be found on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure website, here for Block 8 and here for Block 9.
Delivering new social infrastructure early as part of the renewal is a key priority. This will mean the community has dedicated places for programs, events and cultural activities from the first stage of the redevelopment.
Stage 1 will include a new park and a new community facility building, creating an inviting place for people to gather, connect, and participate in everyday activities.
The City of Sydney will lead the planning for these spaces, including decisions about their features and uses. Council will work with the community throughout this process. Once complete, both the park and the community facility will be owned and operated by the City of Sydney, ensuring they remain important public assets.
Next steps
- The City of Sydney will prepare a brief detailing what should be delivered in the park and community facility.
- Community engagement will help shape this brief and identify priorities for these spaces.
- The brief will then be provided to us to finalise detailed plans, lodge planning applications and, once approved, deliver the new community spaces and hand them to Council to manage.
Help shape the detailed designs for Stage 1 and Stage 2 (South)
The next phase of planning for Waterloo South is underway.
We're currently preparing the first detailed development applications for Waterloo South, informed by feedback received through our recent pre-lodgement engagement program.
Over recent months, tenants, residents, community groups, service providers and other stakeholders shared ideas and experiences through workshops, pop-ups, surveys and targeted engagement activities. This feedback is helping to shape the design of the first new homes, buildings and neighbourhood spaces in Stage 1 (Blocks 8 and 9) and Block 2 (South).
What happens next?
Before the planning applications are lodged, we will return to the community to share an update on the proposed designs and explain how feedback has helped shape the plans.
The applications will cover a range of topics, including:
- Apartment layouts and day-to-day functionality
- Building design, entries and accessibility
- Shared indoor and outdoor spaces
- Streets, walking connections and public areas
- Retail, community facilities and otherneighbourhood amenities
- Public art and local character
The planning applications will then be submitted to the NSW Government for assessment.
Engagement timeline
What happens next?
Feedback we receive will be used to inform the detailed design for Stage 1 and Block 2 (South) planning applications as they are finalised.
We'll provide an update on what we heard, how feedback has been considered, and what happens next in the planning process when the applications are lodged.
Where is Stage 1?
Planning timeline
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is the Government authority responsible for assessing planning applications for Waterloo South.
Community members will have opportunities to learn about what’s proposed and provide feedback before any planning decision is made.
The planning process follows seven main steps. Here’s where we’re at for this stage:
Step 1 – Scoping report
A report that lets the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure know we intend to start work on a planning application.
Step 2 – Study and consultation requirements confirmed
The Department sets out what studies are needed, and what consultation should happen, before the planning application can be lodged.
Step 3 – Prepare the application
The application is prepared – usually including plans and detailed studies– and pre-lodgement consultation is carried out to help inform the application.
Step 4 – Lodge the application
The application is lodged with the Department.
Step 5 – Public Exhibition
The Department notifies community that the application has been lodged, and sets a timeframe during which submissions can be made. The full application is made available online and community can make submissions during this period directly to the Department.
Step 6 – Response to Submissions report
All submissions are reviewed, and depending on the comments, changes may be made to the application. A Response to Submissions (RtS) report is prepared and submitted back to the Department.
Step 7 – Assessment and decision
The Department assesses the application, submission and the RtS, and makes a decision.